JP3906926B2 - Optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus and optical signal optical path switching method - Google Patents

Optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus and optical signal optical path switching method Download PDF

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JP3906926B2
JP3906926B2 JP2004044991A JP2004044991A JP3906926B2 JP 3906926 B2 JP3906926 B2 JP 3906926B2 JP 2004044991 A JP2004044991 A JP 2004044991A JP 2004044991 A JP2004044991 A JP 2004044991A JP 3906926 B2 JP3906926 B2 JP 3906926B2
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light
thermal lens
control
optical path
signal light
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JP2005234356A (en
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教雄 田中
一郎 上野
隆 平賀
宣孝 谷垣
登志子 溝黒
典孝 山本
博孝 望月
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Dainichiseika Color and Chemicals Mfg Co Ltd
National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology AIST
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Dainichiseika Color and Chemicals Mfg Co Ltd
National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology AIST
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Priority to EP05710615A priority patent/EP1716718B1/en
Priority to PCT/JP2005/002964 priority patent/WO2005081573A1/en
Priority to CN2005800054439A priority patent/CN1922914B/en
Priority to US10/586,351 priority patent/US7301686B2/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/29—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the position or the direction of light beams, i.e. deflection
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q11/00—Selecting arrangements for multiplex systems
    • H04Q11/0001—Selecting arrangements for multiplex systems using optical switching
    • H04Q11/0005—Switch and router aspects
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/29—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the position or the direction of light beams, i.e. deflection
    • G02F1/293—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the position or the direction of light beams, i.e. deflection by another light beam, i.e. opto-optical deflection
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/29—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the position or the direction of light beams, i.e. deflection
    • G02F1/31—Digital deflection, i.e. optical switching
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q11/00—Selecting arrangements for multiplex systems
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/0126—Opto-optical modulation, i.e. control of one light beam by another light beam, not otherwise provided for in this subclass
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/0147—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on thermo-optic effects
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q11/00—Selecting arrangements for multiplex systems
    • H04Q11/0001—Selecting arrangements for multiplex systems using optical switching
    • H04Q11/0005—Switch and router aspects
    • H04Q2011/0007—Construction
    • H04Q2011/0024—Construction using space switching
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q11/00—Selecting arrangements for multiplex systems
    • H04Q11/0001—Selecting arrangements for multiplex systems using optical switching
    • H04Q11/0005—Switch and router aspects
    • H04Q2011/0007—Construction
    • H04Q2011/0026—Construction using free space propagation (e.g. lenses, mirrors)
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q11/00—Selecting arrangements for multiplex systems
    • H04Q11/0001—Selecting arrangements for multiplex systems using optical switching
    • H04Q11/0005—Switch and router aspects
    • H04Q2011/0037—Operation
    • H04Q2011/0041—Optical control

Description

本発明は、光通信分野および光情報処理分野で用いられる光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置および光信号光路切替方法に関する。   The present invention relates to an optically controlled optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus and an optical signal optical path switching method used in the fields of optical communication and optical information processing.

インターネットおよび会社内・家庭内イントラネットの普及にともなうネットワークトラフィックの爆発的増加に対応するため、電気信号を経由しない光路切替装置（光スイッチ）、すなわち、光−光直接スイッチが求められている。光ファイバー、光導波路、あるいは、空間を伝搬する光の進む道筋、すなわち、光路を切り替える装置・方法としては、例えば、光導波路内または光導波路間で光路を切り替える空間分割型、多重化された複数の波長の光を波長に応じた光路へ分割して切り替える波長分割多重型、一定時間毎に時分割多重化された光の光路を切り替える時分割多重型、空間を伝搬する光の光路を鏡やシャッターなどを用いて空間的に分割・合成するフリースペース型などの方式が知られている。これらの方式は、各々多重化することも複数を組み合わせて使用することもできる。   In order to cope with the explosive increase in network traffic accompanying the spread of the Internet and intranets within a company / home, there is a need for an optical path switching device (optical switch) that does not pass through an electrical signal, that is, an optical-optical direct switch. As an apparatus / method for switching an optical path, that is, an optical fiber, an optical waveguide, or a path of light propagating in space, for example, a space division type that switches an optical path in or between optical waveguides, and a plurality of multiplexed Wavelength-division multiplexing type that switches light of wavelength by dividing it into optical paths according to wavelength, time-division multiplexing type that switches the optical path of light that is time-division multiplexed every certain time, mirror or shutter for the optical path of light propagating in space There are known methods such as a free space type that spatially divides and synthesizes. Each of these methods can be multiplexed or used in combination.

空間分割型光スイッチには、方向性結合器を利用するもの、光分岐器で光信号のコピーを作り、ゲート素子により光をオン・オフするもの、交差またはＹ分岐の交差部分で導波路の屈折率を変化させることで、導波路を伝搬してきた光を透過させたり反射させたりするものなどが提案されているが、まだ研究開発段階である。マッハツェンダー干渉計型光導波路スイッチの導波路の屈折率を変化させるために、電気ヒーター加熱による熱光学効果を用いるものが実用化に近づいているといわれているが、応答速度が１ミリ秒程度と遅いだけでなく、光スイッチを動作させるために電気信号を用いなければならない、という欠点を有する。   The space division type optical switch uses a directional coupler, makes a copy of an optical signal with an optical branching device, turns on and off the light with a gate element, and guides the waveguide at the intersection of the intersection or Y branch. Proposals have been made to transmit or reflect light propagating through a waveguide by changing the refractive index, but it is still in the research and development stage. In order to change the refractive index of the waveguide of the Mach-Zehnder interferometer type optical waveguide switch, it is said that the one using the thermo-optic effect by heating the electric heater is approaching practical use, but the response speed is about 1 millisecond. Not only is it slow, it has the disadvantage that an electrical signal must be used to operate the optical switch.

フリースペース型光スイッチには、マイクロ・エレクトロ・メカニカル・システム（Micro Electro Mechanical System;ＭＥＭＳと略記される）、励起子吸収・反射スイッチ（Exciton Absorption Reflection Switch；ＥＡＲＳスイッチと略記される）、多段ビームシフタ型光スイッチ、ホログラム型光スイッチ、液晶スイッチなどが検討されている。これらは、機械的可動部分がある、偏波依存性があるなどの課題があり、まだ充分実用段階にあるとはいえない。   Free space type optical switches include Micro Electro Mechanical System (abbreviated as MEMS), Exciton Absorption Reflection Switch (abbreviated as EARS switch), Multistage Beam Shifter Type optical switches, hologram type optical switches, liquid crystal switches, and the like have been studied. These have problems such as the presence of mechanically movable parts and polarization dependency, which are not yet in practical use.

一方、光学素子に光を照射することで引き起こされる透過率変化や屈折率変化を利用し、直接、光で光の強度や周波数を変調する、全光型光学素子や光制御方式の研究が盛んに行われている。本発明者らは、全光型光学素子等による新たな情報処理技術の開発を目指して、有機色素凝集体をポリマーマトリックスに分散した有機ナノパーティクル光熱レンズ形成素子（非特許文献１参照）を用いて、光制御方式の研究を行って来た。現在、制御光（６３３ｎｍ）により信号光（７８０ｎｍ）の変調を行う方式で、制御光と信号光を同軸・同焦点入射させることを特徴とし、制御光の吸収により過渡的に形成される熱レンズにより信号光が屈折されるという動作原理の素子を開発しており、約２０ナノ秒の高速応答が達成されている。光応答性組成物からなる光学素子に制御光を照射し、制御光とは異なる波長帯域にある信号光の透過率および／または屈折率を可逆的に変化させることにより前記光学素子を透過する前記信号光の強度変調および／または光束密度変調を行う光制御方法であって、前記制御光および前記信号光を各々収束させて前記光学素子へ照射し、かつ、前記制御光および前記信号光のそれぞれの焦点の近傍（ビームウエスト）の光子密度が最も高い領域が前記光学素子中において互いに重なり合うように前記制御光および前記信号光の光路を調整することを特徴とする光制御方法が開示されている（特許文献１から特許文献７参照）。光応答性組成物からなる光学素子に、互いに波長の異なる制御光および信号光を照射し、前記制御光の波長は前記光応答性組成物が吸収する波長帯域から選ばれるものとし、前記光応答性組成物が前記制御光を吸収した領域およびその周辺領域に発生する温度上昇に起因する密度変化の分布に基づいた熱レンズを可逆的に形成させ、前記熱レンズを透過する信号光の強度変調および／または光束密度変調を行う光制御方法が開示されている（特許文献８参照）。そして、上記光学素子として例えば色素／樹脂膜や色素溶液膜が用いられ、制御光のパワー２ないし２５ｍＷにおける制御光照射に対する信号光の応答時間は、２マイクロ秒未満と記載されている（特許文献８参照）。   On the other hand, research on all-optical optical elements and light control methods that directly modulate the intensity and frequency of light with light using changes in transmittance and refractive index caused by irradiating the optical element with light is actively conducted. Has been done. The present inventors have used an organic nanoparticle photothermal lens forming element (see Non-Patent Document 1) in which an organic dye aggregate is dispersed in a polymer matrix with the aim of developing a new information processing technique using an all-optical optical element or the like. I have studied light control systems. Currently, the control light (633 nm) is used to modulate the signal light (780 nm), the control light and the signal light are coaxially and confocally incident, and a thermal lens formed transiently by absorption of the control light Has developed an element based on the principle of operation in which signal light is refracted, and has achieved a high-speed response of about 20 nanoseconds. The optical element composed of the photoresponsive composition is irradiated with control light, and the optical element is transmitted through the optical element by reversibly changing the transmittance and / or refractive index of signal light in a wavelength band different from that of the control light. An optical control method for performing intensity modulation of signal light and / or light beam density modulation, wherein the control light and the signal light are respectively converged and applied to the optical element, and each of the control light and the signal light A light control method is disclosed in which the optical paths of the control light and the signal light are adjusted so that regions having the highest photon density near the focal point (beam waist) overlap each other in the optical element. (See Patent Document 1 to Patent Document 7). An optical element made of a photoresponsive composition is irradiated with control light and signal light having different wavelengths, and the wavelength of the control light is selected from a wavelength band absorbed by the photoresponsive composition, Intensity composition of signal light transmitted through the thermal lens by reversibly forming a thermal lens based on the distribution of density change caused by the temperature rise generated in the area where the control composition has absorbed the control light and the surrounding area And / or a light control method for performing light beam density modulation is disclosed (see Patent Document 8). For example, a dye / resin film or a dye solution film is used as the optical element, and the response time of the signal light to the control light irradiation at a control light power of 2 to 25 mW is described as less than 2 microseconds (Patent Literature). 8).

ここで熱レンズ効果とは、光吸収の中心部分において光を吸収した分子などが光を熱に変換し、この熱が周囲に伝搬されることにより温度分布が生じ、その結果、光透過媒体の屈折率が光吸収中心から外部へ向けて球状に変化して光吸収中心の屈折率が低く外部へ向けて屈折率が高くなる分布を生じ、これが凹レンズのように機能するような光の屈折効果を示す。熱レンズ効果は分光分析の分野で古くから利用されており、現在では分子１個による光吸収をも検出するような超高感度分光分析も可能になっている（非特許文献２および非特許文献３参照）。   Here, the thermal lens effect means that molecules that absorb light in the central part of light absorption convert light into heat, and this heat is propagated to the surroundings, resulting in a temperature distribution. The refractive index of the light changes such that the refractive index changes spherically from the light absorption center to the outside, resulting in a distribution in which the refractive index at the light absorption center is low and the refractive index increases toward the outside, which functions like a concave lens. Indicates. The thermal lens effect has been used for a long time in the field of spectroscopic analysis, and now it is possible to perform ultrasensitive spectroscopic analysis that detects light absorption by a single molecule (Non-Patent Document 2 and Non-Patent Document). 3).

熱レンズ効果ないし熱による屈折率変化を用いて光路を偏向させる方式として、発熱抵抗体で媒体に熱を与え、媒体内に屈折率分布を生じさせ、光を偏向する方法が開示されている（特許文献９参照）。しかしながら、上述の手法は、発熱抵抗体で発熱させ、熱伝導で媒体を加熱することになるので、「熱の拡がり」という問題を本来的に有する。つまり、熱の拡がりにより、広い面積内で微細な熱勾配を与えることができず、所望の屈折率分布を得るのが困難である。更に、発熱抵抗体の微細加工は半導体集積回路で用いられているフォトリソグラフィ技術を採用しても、現実には一定の限界を有し、素子が大型化せざるを得ない。素子が大型化すれば、それにともない光学系も複雑かつ大型化する。また、発熱抵抗体で発熱させ、熱伝導で媒体を加熱することになるので、応答が遅く、屈折率変化の周波数を上げることができないという不具合を本質的な問題として有している。   As a method of deflecting an optical path by using a thermal lens effect or a refractive index change due to heat, a method of deflecting light by applying heat to a medium with a heating resistor to generate a refractive index distribution in the medium is disclosed ( (See Patent Document 9). However, the above-described method inherently has a problem of “spreading of heat” because heat is generated by the heating resistor and the medium is heated by heat conduction. That is, due to the spread of heat, a fine thermal gradient cannot be given within a wide area, and it is difficult to obtain a desired refractive index distribution. Furthermore, even if the photolithography technique used in the semiconductor integrated circuit is adopted for microfabrication of the heating resistor, there is a certain limit in practice, and the element must be enlarged. As the element becomes larger, the optical system becomes more complicated and larger. In addition, since the medium is heated by heat generation by generating heat with a heat generating resistor, the response is slow and the problem that the frequency of refractive index change cannot be increased is an essential problem.

また、光応答組成物からなる光学素子と、該光学素子にくさび形の光強度分布で光を照射するための強度分布調整手段とから少なくとも構成され、制御光により前記光学素子中に屈折率分布を形成し、該屈折率分布により前記制御光とは異なる波長の信号光の偏向を行うことを特徴とする光学素子を用いた偏向素子が開示されている（特許文献１０参照）。この方式は、光で光を制御する点では優れたものであるが、偏向角度が３０度以内という制約があり、光路切替方向を自由に設定することができないという問題がある。   And an optical element comprising a photoresponsive composition and an intensity distribution adjusting means for irradiating the optical element with light with a wedge-shaped light intensity distribution, and a refractive index distribution in the optical element by control light. And a deflection element using an optical element characterized in that the signal light having a wavelength different from that of the control light is deflected by the refractive index distribution (see Patent Document 10). This method is excellent in that the light is controlled by light, but there is a limitation that the deflection angle is within 30 degrees, and there is a problem that the optical path switching direction cannot be freely set.

そこで本発明者らは、偏波依存性のない、光路切替の角度および方向を自由に設定可能な、信号光の光強度減衰が少なく多重連結使用が可能な光路切替装置および光路切替方法を提供するため、少なくとも光吸収層膜を含む熱レンズ形成素子中の光吸収層膜に、前記光吸収層膜が吸収する波長帯域から選ばれる波長の制御光、および、前記光吸収層膜が吸収しない波長帯域から選ばれる波長の信号光を各々収束させて照射し、少なくとも前記制御光が前記光吸収層膜内において焦点を結ぶように配置を調整し、前記光吸収層膜が前記制御光を吸収した領域およびその周辺領域に起こる温度上昇に起因して可逆的に生ずる屈折率の分布に基づいた熱レンズを用いることによって、制御光が照射されず熱レンズが形成されない場合は前記収束された信号光が通常の開き角度で前記熱レンズ形成素子から出射する状態と、制御光が照射されて熱レンズが形成される場合は前記収束された信号光が通常の開き角度よりも大きい開き角度で前記熱レンズ形成素子から出射する状態とを、前記制御光の照射の有無に対応させて実現させ、制御光が照射されず熱レンズが形成されない場合は、通常の開き角度で前記熱レンズ形成素子から出射する前記信号光をそのまま、または、受光レンズによって前記通常の開き角度を変更させた後、前記信号光が通過する穴を設けた鏡の穴を通して直進させ、一方、制御光が照射されて熱レンズが形成される場合は、通常よりも大きい開き角度で前記熱レンズ形成素子から拡がりながら出射する前記信号光をそのまま、あるいは、受光レンズによって前記拡がりの開き角度を変更させた後、前記穴付ミラーを用いて反射することによって光路を変更させる光路切替方法を出願した（特許文献１１参照）。   Therefore, the present inventors provide an optical path switching apparatus and an optical path switching method that can freely set the angle and direction of optical path switching without polarization dependence, can reduce the light intensity of signal light, and can be used in multiple connection. Therefore, the light absorbing layer film in the thermal lens forming element including at least the light absorbing layer film does not absorb the control light having a wavelength selected from the wavelength band absorbed by the light absorbing layer film and the light absorbing layer film. The signal light having a wavelength selected from a wavelength band is converged and irradiated, and the arrangement is adjusted so that at least the control light is focused in the light absorption layer film, and the light absorption layer film absorbs the control light. By using a thermal lens based on a refractive index distribution that occurs reversibly due to a temperature rise occurring in the region and its surrounding region, the control lens is not irradiated and the thermal lens is not converged. When the signal light is emitted from the thermal lens forming element at a normal opening angle, and when the control light is irradiated to form a thermal lens, the converged signal light has an opening angle larger than the normal opening angle. When the thermal lens forming element is realized in correspondence with the presence or absence of irradiation of the control light, and the thermal lens is not formed without being irradiated with the control light, the thermal lens forming element is formed at a normal opening angle. The signal light emitted from the light beam is changed as it is or after the normal opening angle is changed by a light receiving lens, and then travels straight through a hole in a mirror provided with a hole through which the signal light passes, while the control light is irradiated. When a thermal lens is formed, the signal light emitted while spreading from the thermal lens forming element at an opening angle larger than usual is left as it is or is spread by the light receiving lens. After changing the opening angle of, it filed an optical path switching method of changing the optical path by reflecting using the mirror with the hole (see Patent Document 11).

特開平８−２８６２２０号公報JP-A-8-286220 特開平８−３２０５３５号公報JP-A-8-320535 特開平８−３２０５３６号公報JP-A-8-320536 特開平９−３２９８１６号公報Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-329816 特開平１０−９０７３３号公報Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-90733 特開平１０−９０７３４号公報JP-A-10-90734 特開平１０−１４８８５２号公報Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-148852 特開平１０−１４８８５３号公報Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-148853 特開昭６０−１４２２１号公報Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 60-14221 特開平１１−１９４３７３号公報JP-A-11-194373 特願２００２−２７５７１３号Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-275713 平賀隆、田中教雄、早水紀久子、守谷哲郎著、色素会合体・凝集体の作成・構造評価・光物性、「電子技術総合研究所彙報」、通商産業省工業技術院電子技術総合研究所発行、第５９巻、第２号、２９−４９頁（１９９４年）Takashi Hiraga, Norio Tanaka, Kikuko Hayami, Tetsuro Moriya, Creation of dye aggregates / aggregates, structural evaluation, photophysical properties, "Electronics Research Institute Vocabulary", Ministry of International Trade and Industry 59, No. 2, pp. 29-49 (1994) 藤原祺多夫、不破敬一郎、小林孝嘉著、レーザー誘起熱レンズ効果とその比色法への応用、「化学」、化学同人発行、第３６巻、第６号、４３２−４３８頁（１９８１年）Takao Fujiwara, Keiichiro Fuwa, Takayoshi Kobayashi, Laser-induced thermal lens effect and its application to colorimetric method, "Chemical", published by Kagaku Dojin, Vol. 36, No. 6, pp. 432-438 (1981) 北森武彦、澤田嗣郎著、光熱変換分光分析法、「ぶんせき」、日本分析化学会発行、１９９４年３月号、１７８−１８７頁Takehiko Kitamori, Goro Sawada, Photothermal Conversion Spectroscopy, “Bunseki”, published by the Japan Society for Analytical Chemistry, March 1994, pp. 178-187

本発明は、電気回路や機械的可動部分を用いずに故障のない、高速で作動し、耐久性の高い、偏波依存性のない、光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置および光信号光路切替方法を提供することを目的とする。   The present invention relates to a light-controlled optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus and an optical signal optical path that do not use an electric circuit or a mechanical movable part, operate without failure, operate at high speed, have high durability, and do not depend on polarization. An object is to provide a switching method.

上記の目的を達成するため、本発明の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置は、１種類以上の波長の信号光を照射する信号光光源と、
前記信号光とは異なる２種類以上の波長の制御光を照射する制御光光源と、
前記信号光は透過し、前記制御光の特定の１種類の波長のみを各々選択的に吸収する２つ以上の光吸収層膜と、
前記光吸収層膜の１つ１つに前記制御光と前記信号光とを各々収束させて照射する手段と、
前記光吸収層膜を含み、前記光吸収層膜が前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光を吸収した領域およびその周辺領域に起こる温度上昇に起因して可逆的に生ずる屈折率の分布に基づいた熱レンズを用いることによって、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光の照射の有無に応じ、前記収束された信号光を収束させたまま出射する、または、信号光の開き角度を可変させて出射する２つ以上の熱レンズ形成素子と、
前記各熱レンズ形成素子の各々後方に設けられた、穴と反射手段とを有する鏡であって、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光の照射の有無に応じて、前記熱レンズ形成素子を出射した信号光を前記穴に通過させ、または、前記反射手段により反射させることによって光路を変化させる鏡と、を備えることを特徴とする。 In order to achieve the above object, a light control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission device of the present invention includes a signal light source that emits signal light having one or more wavelengths,
A control light source that emits control light having two or more wavelengths different from the signal light;
Two or more light absorption layer films that transmit the signal light and selectively absorb only one specific type of wavelength of the control light; and
Means for converging and irradiating the control light and the signal light to each of the light absorption layer films;
Based on a refractive index distribution that reversibly occurs due to a temperature rise that occurs in a region where the light absorbing layer film absorbs the control light of the specific one type of wavelength and its peripheral region. By using a thermal lens, the converged signal light is emitted while being converged or the opening angle of the signal light is varied according to the presence or absence of the control light of the specific one type of wavelength. Two or more thermal lens forming elements that emit;
Each of the thermal lens forming elements is a mirror having a hole and a reflection means provided at the back of each of the thermal lens forming elements, wherein the thermal lens forming element is changed depending on whether or not the control light of the specific one type of wavelength is irradiated. And a mirror that changes the optical path by allowing the emitted signal light to pass through the hole or to be reflected by the reflecting means.

また、本発明の他の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置は、１種類以上の波長の信号光を照射する信号光光源と、
前記信号光とは異なる２種類以上の波長の制御光を照射する制御光光源と、
前記信号光は透過し、前記制御光の特定の１種類の波長のみを各々選択的に吸収する２つ以上の光吸収層膜と、
前記光吸収層膜の１つ１つに前記制御光と前記信号光とを各々収束させて照射する手段と、
熱レンズ形成素子と穴を有する鏡の組み合わせからなる２組以上の光路切替機構と、を備え、
前記熱レンズ形成素子は、前記光吸収層膜を含み、前記光吸収層膜が前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光を吸収した領域およびその周辺領域に起こる温度上昇に起因して可逆的に生ずる屈折率の分布に基づいた熱レンズを用いることによって、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されず熱レンズが形成されない場合は前記収束された信号光が通常の開き角度で出射され、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されて前記光吸収層膜の入射面近傍に熱レンズが形成される場合は前記収束された信号光が通常の開き角度よりも大きい開き角度で出射され、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光の照射の有無に応じて出射される前記信号光の開き角度を変更させる熱レンズ形成素子であり、
前記穴を有する鏡は、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されず熱レンズが形成されない場合に、通常の開き角度で前記熱レンズ形成素子から出射する前記信号光をそのまま、または、受光レンズによって前記開き角度を変更させた信号光のいずれかを、通過させる穴と、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されて前記光吸収層膜の入射面近傍に熱レンズが形成される場合に、通常よりも大きい開き角度で前記熱レンズ形成素子から拡がりながら出射する前記信号光をそのまま、または、前記受光レンズによって前記開き角度を変更させた信号光のいずれかを、反射する反射手段と、を有し光路を変更させる鏡であることを特徴とする。 In addition, another optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission device of the present invention includes a signal light source that emits signal light having one or more wavelengths,
A control light source that emits control light having two or more wavelengths different from the signal light;
Two or more light absorption layer films that transmit the signal light and selectively absorb only one specific type of wavelength of the control light; and
Means for converging and irradiating the control light and the signal light to each of the light absorption layer films;
Two or more sets of optical path switching mechanisms composed of a combination of a thermal lens forming element and a mirror having a hole,
The thermal lens forming element includes the light absorbing layer film, and the light absorbing layer film is reversibly caused by a temperature rise occurring in a region where the control light of the specific one type of wavelength is absorbed and its peripheral region. By using a thermal lens based on the generated refractive index distribution, the converged signal light is emitted at a normal opening angle when the control light of the one specific wavelength is not irradiated and a thermal lens is not formed. In the case where a thermal lens is formed in the vicinity of the incident surface of the light absorption layer film by being irradiated with the control light having one specific wavelength, the converged signal light has an opening angle larger than a normal opening angle. It is a thermal lens forming element that changes the opening angle of the signal light that is emitted and emitted according to the presence or absence of irradiation of the control light of the specific one type of wavelength,
When the mirror having the hole is not irradiated with the control light of the specific one type of wavelength and the thermal lens is not formed, the signal light emitted from the thermal lens forming element at a normal opening angle is left as it is, or A thermal lens is formed in the vicinity of the incident surface of the light-absorbing layer film by irradiating the control light having one specific wavelength with the hole through which the signal light whose opening angle is changed by the light receiving lens is passed. In this case, the signal light emitted while spreading from the thermal lens forming element with an opening angle larger than normal is reflected as it is or the signal light whose opening angle is changed by the light receiving lens is reflected. And a reflecting means for changing the optical path.

また、本発明の他の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置は、１種類以上の波長の信号光を照射する信号光光源と、
前記信号光とは異なる２種類以上の波長の制御光を照射する制御光光源と、
前記信号光は透過し、前記制御光の特定の１種類の波長のみを各々選択的に吸収する２つ以上の光吸収層膜と、
前記光吸収層膜の１つ１つに前記制御光と前記信号光とを各々収束させて照射する手段と、
熱レンズ形成素子と穴を有する鏡の組み合わせからなる２組以上の光路切替機構と、を備え、
前記熱レンズ形成素子は、前記光吸収層膜を含み、前記光吸収層膜が前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光を吸収した領域およびその周辺領域に起こる温度上昇に起因して可逆的に生ずる屈折率の分布に基づいた熱レンズを用いることによって、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されて前記光吸収層膜の出射面近傍に熱レンズが形成される場合は前記収束された信号光が収束されたまま出射され、制御光が照射されず熱レンズが形成されない場合は前記収束された信号光が通常の開き角度で出射され、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光の照射の有無に応じて出射される前記信号光の開き角度を変更させる熱レンズ形成素子であり、
前記穴を有する鏡は、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されて前記光吸収層膜の出射面近傍に熱レンズが形成される場合に、収束されたまま前記熱レンズ形成素子から出射する前記収束された信号光を通過させる穴と、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されず熱レンズが形成されない場合に、通常の開き角度で前記熱レンズ形成素子から出射する前記信号光をそのまま、または、前記開き角度を変更させるために設けられた受光レンズを透過させた信号光のいずれかを反射させる反射手段と、を有し光路を変更させる鏡であることを特徴とする。 In addition, another optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission device of the present invention includes a signal light source that emits signal light having one or more wavelengths,
A control light source that emits control light having two or more wavelengths different from the signal light;
Two or more light absorption layer films that transmit the signal light and selectively absorb only one specific type of wavelength of the control light; and
Means for converging and irradiating the control light and the signal light to each of the light absorption layer films;
Two or more sets of optical path switching mechanisms composed of a combination of a thermal lens forming element and a mirror having a hole,
The thermal lens forming element includes the light absorbing layer film, and the light absorbing layer film is reversibly caused by a temperature rise occurring in a region where the control light of the specific one type of wavelength is absorbed and its peripheral region. By using a thermal lens based on the generated refractive index distribution, when the control lens having the specific one type of wavelength is irradiated and a thermal lens is formed in the vicinity of the exit surface of the light absorption layer film, the thermal lens is converged. If the control light is emitted without being irradiated and the thermal lens is not formed, the converged signal light is emitted at a normal opening angle, and the control light of the specific one type of wavelength is emitted. A thermal lens forming element that changes the opening angle of the signal light emitted according to the presence or absence of irradiation,
When the mirror having the hole is irradiated with the control light of the specific one type of wavelength and a thermal lens is formed in the vicinity of the emission surface of the light absorption layer film, the mirror is kept converged from the thermal lens forming element. The hole for passing the converged signal light to be emitted, and the thermal lens forming element at a normal opening angle when the control light of the specific one type of wavelength is not irradiated and a thermal lens is not formed Reflecting means for reflecting either the signal light as it is or the signal light transmitted through the light receiving lens provided to change the opening angle, and a mirror that changes the optical path. To do.

また、本発明の他の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置は、１種類以上の波長の信号光を照射する信号光光源と、
前記信号光とは異なる２種類以上の波長の制御光を制御する制御光光源と、
前記信号光は透過し、前記制御光の特定の１種類の波長のみを各々選択的に吸収する２つ以上の光吸収層膜と、
前記光吸収層膜の１つ１つに前記制御光と前記信号光とを各々収束させて照射する手段と、
第１の熱レンズ形成素子と第１の穴を有する鏡との組み合わせからなる１組以上の第１の光路切替機構と、
第２の熱レンズ形成素子と第２の穴を有する鏡との組み合わせからなる１組以上の第２の光路切替機構と、を備え、
第１の熱レンズ形成素子は、前記光吸収層膜を含み、前記光吸収層膜が前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光を吸収した領域およびその周辺領域に起こる温度上昇に起因して可逆的に生ずる屈折率の分布に基づいた熱レンズを用いることによって、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されず熱レンズが形成されない場合は前記収束された信号光が通常の開き角度で出射され、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されて前記光吸収層膜の入射面近傍に熱レンズが形成される場合は前記収束された信号光が通常の開き角度よりも大きい開き角度で出射され、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光の照射の有無に応じて出射される前記信号光の開き角度を変更させる熱レンズ形成素子であり、
第１の穴を有する鏡は、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されず熱レンズが形成されない場合に、通常の開き角度で前記熱レンズ形成素子から出射する前記信号光をそのまま、または、受光レンズによって前記開き角度を変更させた信号光のいずれかを、通過させる穴と、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されて前記光吸収層膜の入射面近傍に熱レンズが形成される場合に、通常よりも大きい開き角度で前記熱レンズ形成素子から拡がりながら出射する前記信号光をそのまま、または、前記受光レンズによって前記開き角度を変更させた信号光のいずれかを、反射する反射手段と、を有し光路を変更させる鏡であり、
第２の熱レンズ形成素子は、前記光吸収層膜を含み、前記光吸収層膜が前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光を吸収した領域およびその周辺領域に起こる温度上昇に起因して可逆的に生ずる屈折率の分布に基づいた熱レンズを用いることによって、制御光が照射されて前記光吸収層膜の出射面近傍に熱レンズが形成される場合は前記収束された信号光が収束されたまま出射され、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されず熱レンズが形成されない場合は前記収束された信号光が通常の開き角度で出射され、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光の照射の有無に応じて出射される前記信号光の開き角度を変更させる熱レンズ形成素子であり、
第２の穴を有する鏡は、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されて前記光吸収層膜の出射面近傍に熱レンズが形成される場合に、収束されたまま前記熱レンズ形成素子から出射する前記収束された信号光を通過させる穴と、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されず熱レンズが形成されない場合に、通常の開き角度で前記熱レンズ形成素子から出射する前記信号光をそのまま、または、前記開き角度を変更させるために設けられた受光レンズを透過させた信号光のいずれかを反射させる反射手段と、を有し光路を変更させる鏡である光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置。 In addition, another optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission device of the present invention includes a signal light source that emits signal light having one or more wavelengths,
A control light source for controlling control light having two or more wavelengths different from the signal light;
Two or more light absorption layer films that transmit the signal light and selectively absorb only one specific type of wavelength of the control light; and
Means for converging and irradiating the control light and the signal light to each of the light absorption layer films;
One or more first optical path switching mechanisms comprising a combination of a first thermal lens forming element and a mirror having a first hole;
One or more second optical path switching mechanisms comprising a combination of a second thermal lens forming element and a mirror having a second hole,
The first thermal lens forming element includes the light absorption layer film, and the light absorption layer film is reversible due to a temperature increase occurring in a region where the control light of the specific one type of wavelength is absorbed and in a peripheral region thereof. By using a thermal lens based on a refractive index distribution that occurs in a specific manner, when the control light of the specific one type of wavelength is not irradiated and a thermal lens is not formed, the converged signal light has a normal opening angle. When the thermal lens is formed in the vicinity of the incident surface of the light absorption layer film by being emitted and irradiated with the control light of the specific one type of wavelength, the converged signal light has an opening larger than a normal opening angle. A thermal lens forming element that changes an opening angle of the signal light emitted at an angle and emitted according to the presence or absence of irradiation of the control light of the specific one type of wavelength;
When the mirror having the first hole is not irradiated with the control light of the specific one type of wavelength and a thermal lens is not formed, the signal light emitted from the thermal lens forming element at a normal opening angle is left as it is. Alternatively, a thermal lens is irradiated in the vicinity of the incident surface of the light absorption layer film by irradiating the control light having one specific wavelength with the hole through which the signal light whose opening angle is changed by the light receiving lens is passed. The signal light emitted while spreading from the thermal lens forming element at an opening angle larger than normal, or the signal light whose opening angle is changed by the light receiving lens, A reflecting means for reflecting, and a mirror for changing the optical path,
The second thermal lens forming element includes the light absorption layer film, and the light absorption layer film is reversible due to a temperature rise occurring in a region where the control light of the specific one type of wavelength is absorbed and its peripheral region. When the control lens is irradiated to form a thermal lens near the exit surface of the light absorption layer film, the converged signal light is converged. When the control light of the specific one type of wavelength is not irradiated and the thermal lens is not formed, the converged signal light is output at a normal opening angle, and the control of the specific one type of wavelength is performed. A thermal lens forming element that changes the opening angle of the signal light emitted according to the presence or absence of light irradiation,
When the mirror having the second hole is irradiated with the control light of the specific one type of wavelength and a thermal lens is formed in the vicinity of the exit surface of the light absorption layer film, the thermal lens is formed while being converged. A hole through which the converged signal light emitted from the element passes, and when the thermal lens is not formed without being irradiated with the control light of the specific one type of wavelength, is emitted from the thermal lens forming element at a normal opening angle. The optical control is a mirror that changes the optical path of the signal light as it is or the reflection means that reflects either the signal light transmitted through the light receiving lens provided to change the opening angle. Type optical path switching type optical signal transmission device.

また、本発明の他の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置は、２組以上の上述の光路切替機構が、空間を介して直接、または、光ファイバー結合系を介して、直列に連結されていることを特徴とする。   Further, in another optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus of the present invention, two or more sets of the optical path switching mechanisms described above are connected in series directly through a space or via an optical fiber coupling system. It is characterized by being.

また、本発明の他の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置は、３組以上の上述の光路切替機構が、空間を介して直接、または、光ファイバー結合系を介して、連結の１段毎に前記鏡の穴を通って直進する方向と反射する方向の２方向に分岐し、多段に連結されていることを特徴とする。   Further, according to another optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus of the present invention, three or more sets of the optical path switching mechanisms described above are connected to each stage connected directly through a space or via an optical fiber coupling system. It branches into two directions, the direction of going straight through the hole of the mirror and the direction of reflection, and is connected in multiple stages.

また、本発明の光信号光路切替方法は、
１種類以上の波長の信号光と、前記信号光とは異なる２種類以上の波長の制御光とを、実質的に同軸かつ同方向に進行させ、
前記信号光は透過し、前記制御光の特定の１種類の波長のみを各々選択的に吸収する２つ以上の光吸収層膜の１つ１つに前記制御光と前記信号光とを各々収束させて照射し、
前記光吸収層膜を含む２つ以上の熱レンズ形成素子の個々において、前記光吸収層膜が前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光を吸収した領域およびその周辺領域に起こる温度上昇に起因して可逆的に生ずる屈折率の分布に基づいた熱レンズを用いることによって、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光の照射の有無に応じ、前記収束された信号光を収束させたまま出射させ、または、信号光の開き角度を可変させて出射させ、
反射面を有する穴付ミラーを用い、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光の照射の有無に応じて、前記熱レンズ形成素子から出射した信号光を前記穴から通過直進させ、または、反射面で反射させることによって光路を変更させることを特徴とする。 The optical signal optical path switching method of the present invention is
A signal light of one or more types of wavelengths and a control light of two or more types of wavelengths different from the signal light are allowed to travel substantially coaxially and in the same direction;
The control light and the signal light are respectively converged on each of two or more light absorption layer films that transmit the signal light and selectively absorb only one specific wavelength of the control light. Let it irradiate,
In each of two or more thermal lens forming elements including the light absorption layer film, the light absorption layer film is caused by a temperature rise that occurs in a region where the control light of the specific one type of wavelength is absorbed and its peripheral region. By using a thermal lens based on a refractive index distribution reversibly generated, the converged signal light is emitted while being converged according to the presence or absence of the control light of the specific one type of wavelength, Alternatively, the signal light can be emitted with a variable opening angle,
Using a mirror with a hole having a reflective surface, the signal light emitted from the thermal lens forming element passes straight through the hole in accordance with the presence or absence of the control light having the specific one type of wavelength, or the reflective surface The optical path is changed by reflecting the light.

また、本発明の他の光信号光路切替方法は、
１種類以上の波長の信号光と、前記信号光とは異なる２種類以上の波長の制御光とを、実質的に同軸かつ同方向に進行させ、
前記信号光は透過し、前記制御光の特定の１種類の波長のみを各々選択的に吸収する２つ以上の光吸収層膜の１つ１つに前記制御光と前記信号光とを各々収束させて照射し、
前記光吸収層膜を含む２つ以上の熱レンズ形成素子の個々において、前記光吸収層膜が前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光を吸収した領域およびその周辺領域に起こる温度上昇に起因して可逆的に生ずる屈折率の分布に基づいた熱レンズを用いることによって、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されず前記光吸収層膜の入射面近傍に熱レンズが形成されない場合は前記収束された信号光が通常の開き角度で前記熱レンズ形成素子から出射され、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されて熱レンズが形成される場合は前記収束された信号光が通常の開き角度よりも大きい開き角度で前記熱レンズ形成素子から出射され、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光の照射の有無に応じて出射される前記信号光の開き角度を変更させ、
前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されず熱レンズが形成されない場合は、通常の開き角度で前記熱レンズ形成素子から出射する前記信号光をそのまま、または、受光レンズによって前記開き角度を変更させた信号光のいずれかを、穴付ミラーの穴に通過させ直進させ、
一方、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されて前記光吸収層膜の入射面近傍に熱レンズが形成される場合は、通常よりも大きい開き角度で前記熱レンズ形成素子から拡がりながら出射する前記信号光をそのまま、あるいは、受光レンズによって前記開き角度を変更させた信号光のいずれかを、前記穴付ミラーの反射面を用いて反射することによって光路を変更させることを特徴とする。 Further, another optical signal optical path switching method of the present invention is as follows.
A signal light of one or more types of wavelengths and a control light of two or more types of wavelengths different from the signal light are allowed to travel substantially coaxially and in the same direction;
The control light and the signal light are respectively converged on each of two or more light absorption layer films that transmit the signal light and selectively absorb only one specific wavelength of the control light. Let it irradiate,
In each of two or more thermal lens forming elements including the light absorption layer film, the light absorption layer film is caused by a temperature rise that occurs in a region where the control light of the specific one type of wavelength is absorbed and its peripheral region. When a thermal lens based on a refractive index distribution that is reversibly generated is used, the thermal lens is not formed in the vicinity of the incident surface of the light absorption layer film without being irradiated with the control light of the specific one type of wavelength. When the converged signal light is emitted from the thermal lens forming element at a normal opening angle and the thermal lens is formed by irradiation with the control light of the specific one type of wavelength, the converged signal light is Changing the opening angle of the signal light emitted from the thermal lens forming element at an opening angle larger than a normal opening angle and emitted depending on the presence or absence of the control light of the specific one type of wavelength,
When the control lens having one specific wavelength is not irradiated and a thermal lens is not formed, the signal light emitted from the thermal lens forming element at a normal opening angle is left as it is or the opening angle is set by a light receiving lens. Pass any of the changed signal light through the hole in the mirror with holes,
On the other hand, when a thermal lens is formed in the vicinity of the incident surface of the light absorbing layer film by being irradiated with the control light having one specific type of wavelength, it spreads from the thermal lens forming element with a larger opening angle than usual. The optical path is changed by reflecting either the emitted signal light as it is or the signal light whose opening angle is changed by a light receiving lens using a reflecting surface of the holed mirror. .

また、本発明の他の光信号光路切替方法は、
１種類以上の波長の信号光と、前記信号光とは異なる２種類以上の波長の制御光とを、実質的に同軸かつ同方向に進行させ、
前記信号光は透過し、前記制御光の特定の１種類の波長のみを各々選択的に吸収する２つ以上の光吸収層膜の１つ１つに前記制御光と前記信号光とを各々収束させて照射し、
前記光吸収層膜を含む２つ以上の熱レンズ形成素子の個々において、前記光吸収層膜が前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光を吸収した領域およびその周辺領域に起こる温度上昇に起因して可逆的に生ずる屈折率の分布に基づいた熱レンズを用いることによって、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されて前記光吸収層膜の出射面近傍に熱レンズが形成される場合は前記収束された信号光が収束されたまま前記熱レンズ形成素子から出射され、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されず熱レンズが形成されない場合は前記収束された信号光が通常の開き角度で前記熱レンズ形成素子から出射され、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光の照射の有無に応じて出射される前記信号光の開き角度を変更させ、
前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されて前記光吸収層膜の出射面近傍に熱レンズが形成される場合は、収束されたまま前記熱レンズ形成素子から出射する前記収束された信号光を、穴付ミラーの穴に通過させ直進させ、
一方、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されず熱レンズが形成されない場合は、通常の開き角度で前記熱レンズ形成素子から出射する前記信号光の光路をそのまま、または、受光レンズによって前記開き角度を変更させた信号光のいずれかを、前記穴付ミラーの反射面を用いて反射させることによって光路を変更させることを特徴とする。 Further, another optical signal optical path switching method of the present invention is as follows.
A signal light of one or more types of wavelengths and a control light of two or more types of wavelengths different from the signal light are allowed to travel substantially coaxially and in the same direction;
The control light and the signal light are respectively converged on each of two or more light absorption layer films that transmit the signal light and selectively absorb only one specific wavelength of the control light. Let it irradiate,
In each of two or more thermal lens forming elements including the light absorption layer film, the light absorption layer film is caused by a temperature rise that occurs in a region where the control light of the specific one type of wavelength is absorbed and its peripheral region. When a thermal lens is formed in the vicinity of the exit surface of the light absorption layer film by using the thermal lens based on the refractive index distribution reversibly generated and irradiated with the control light of the specific one type of wavelength. The converged signal light is emitted from the thermal lens forming element while being converged, and when the control lens of the specific one type of wavelength is not irradiated and a thermal lens is not formed, the converged signal light is usually The opening angle of the signal light emitted from the thermal lens forming element at an opening angle of is changed depending on the presence or absence of irradiation of the control light of the specific one type of wavelength,
When a thermal lens is formed in the vicinity of the exit surface of the light absorption layer film by being irradiated with the control light of the specific one type of wavelength, the converged signal that is emitted from the thermal lens forming element while being converged Let the light pass straight through the hole in the mirror with holes,
On the other hand, when the control lens having one specific wavelength is not irradiated and a thermal lens is not formed, the optical path of the signal light emitted from the thermal lens forming element at a normal opening angle is left as it is or by a light receiving lens. The optical path is changed by reflecting any one of the signal lights whose opening angles are changed using a reflecting surface of the mirror with a hole.

また、本発明の他の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置は、
複数の波長の光の内、最も長い波長の光を信号光とし、信号光よりも短い２つ以上の波長の光を制御光とし、前記光路切替機構中の熱レンズ形成素子が吸収する波長が最も短い光路切替機構を第１段とし、第２段以降の前記光路切替機構の熱レンズ形成素子が吸収する各々の波長が長くなる順に後段の光路切替機構を連結することを特徴とする。 In addition, another optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission device of the present invention,
Among the light of a plurality of wavelengths, the light with the longest wavelength is used as signal light, the light with two or more wavelengths shorter than the signal light is used as control light, and the wavelength absorbed by the thermal lens forming element in the optical path switching mechanism is The shortest optical path switching mechanism is the first stage, and the subsequent optical path switching mechanisms are connected in the order in which each wavelength absorbed by the thermal lens forming element of the optical path switching mechanism after the second stage becomes longer.

本発明によって、電気回路や機械的可動部分を用いずに、高速で作動し、耐久性の高い、偏波依存性のない、光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置および光信号光路切替方法を提供することができる。   According to the present invention, an optically controlled optical path switching type optical signal transmission device and an optical signal optical path switching method that operate at high speed without using an electric circuit and mechanically movable parts, have high durability, and do not have polarization dependency are provided. Can be provided.

［熱レンズ形成素子］
本発明において、熱レンズ形成素子としては例えば積層膜型構造を有するものを好適に用いることができ、その積層膜の構成としては例えば以下のような組み合わせを挙げることができる。 [Thermal lens forming element]
In the present invention, as the thermal lens forming element, for example, an element having a laminated film type structure can be suitably used, and examples of the laminated film structure include the following combinations.

（１）光吸収層膜単独。ただし、光吸収層膜は、文字通り「光吸収膜」単独の単層膜、あるいは、「光吸収膜／熱レンズ形成層」という２層構造、または、「光吸収膜／熱レンズ形成層／光吸収膜」という３層構造の積層型薄膜のいずれであっても良い。なお、以下の（２）から（１０）の「光吸収層膜」も上記同様の構造を含むものとする。   (1) The light absorbing layer film alone. However, the light absorption layer film is literally a single layer film of “light absorption film” alone, or a two-layer structure of “light absorption film / thermal lens formation layer”, or “light absorption film / thermal lens formation layer / light”. Any of the three-layered laminated thin film called “absorbing film” may be used. The following “light absorption layer film” from (2) to (10) includes the same structure as described above.

（２）光吸収層膜／保温層膜   (2) Light absorption layer film / heat insulation layer film

（３）保温層膜／光吸収層膜／保温層膜   (3) Thermal insulation layer film / light absorption layer film / thermal insulation layer film

（４）光吸収層膜／伝熱層膜   (4) Light absorption layer film / heat transfer layer film

（５）伝熱層膜／光吸収層膜／伝熱層膜   (5) Heat transfer layer film / light absorption layer film / heat transfer layer film

（６）光吸収層膜／保温層膜／伝熱層膜   (6) Light absorption layer film / heat insulation layer film / heat transfer layer film

（７）伝熱層膜／光吸収層膜／保温層膜   (7) Heat transfer layer film / light absorption layer film / heat insulation layer film

（８）伝熱層膜／光吸収層膜／保温層膜／伝熱層膜   (8) Heat transfer layer film / light absorption layer film / heat insulation layer film / heat transfer layer film

（９）伝熱層膜／保温層膜／光吸収層膜／保温層膜   (9) Heat transfer layer film / heat insulation layer film / light absorption layer film / heat insulation layer film

（１０）伝熱層膜／保温層膜／光吸収層膜／保温層膜／伝熱層膜   (10) Heat transfer layer film / heat insulation layer film / light absorption layer film / heat insulation layer film / heat transfer layer film

（１１）屈折率分布型レンズ／（光透過層／）上記（１）ないし（１０）の熱レンズ形成素子   (11) Refractive index distribution type lens / (light transmission layer /) thermal lens forming element according to (1) to (10) above

（１２）屈折率分布型レンズ／（光透過層／）上記（１）ないし（１０）の熱レンズ形成素子／（光透過層／）屈折率分布型レンズ   (12) Refractive index distribution type lens / (Light transmission layer /) Thermal lens forming element of (1) to (10) / (Light transmission layer /) Refractive index distribution type lens

なお、上記「（光透過層／）」とは、必要に応じて光透過層を設けることを意味する。更に、必要に応じて光の入射面および出射面に反射防止膜（ＡＲコート膜）を設けても良い。   The above “(light transmissive layer /)” means that a light transmissive layer is provided as necessary. Furthermore, an antireflection film (AR coating film) may be provided on the light incident surface and the light emitting surface as necessary.

熱レンズ形成素子構成の一例を例示した断面図を図１１に示す。図１１に例示するように、熱レンズ形成素子５００は、制御光５０９および信号光５０８の入射側から、例えば、屈折率分布型レンズ５０７／光透過層５０６／伝熱層膜５０１／光吸収層膜５０３／熱レンズ形成層５０５／光吸収層膜５０４／伝熱層膜５０２の順に積層されてなる。なお、図１１に示す制御光５０９の光線は模式的なものであり、各層膜間における屈折を省略している。   A cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the configuration of the thermal lens forming element is shown in FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the thermal lens forming element 500 includes, for example, a gradient index lens 507 / light transmission layer 506 / heat transfer layer film 501 / light absorption layer from the incident side of the control light 509 and the signal light 508. The film 503 / the thermal lens formation layer 505 / the light absorption layer film 504 / the heat transfer layer film 502 are laminated in this order. Note that the light beam of the control light 509 shown in FIG. 11 is schematic, and refraction between each layer film is omitted.

熱レンズ形成素子構成の別の一例を例示した断面図を図１２に示す。図１２に例示するように、熱レンズ形成素子６００は、制御光６０９および信号光６０８の入射側から、例えば、伝熱層膜６０１／光吸収層膜６０３／熱レンズ形成層６０５／光吸収層膜６０４／伝熱層膜６０２の順に積層されてなる。この場合、制御光６０９および信号光６０８は外部に設けた集光レンズ６１０によって集光されつつ、熱レンズ形成素子６００に入射する。なお、図１２に示す制御光６０９の光線は模式的なものであり、各層膜間における屈折を省略している。   A cross-sectional view illustrating another example of the configuration of the thermal lens forming element is shown in FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the thermal lens forming element 600 includes, for example, a heat transfer layer film 601 / light absorption layer film 603 / thermal lens formation layer 605 / light absorption layer from the incident side of the control light 609 and the signal light 608. The film 604 / the heat transfer layer film 602 are laminated in this order. In this case, the control light 609 and the signal light 608 are incident on the thermal lens forming element 600 while being condensed by the condenser lens 610 provided outside. Note that the light beam of the control light 609 shown in FIG. 12 is schematic, and refraction between each layer film is omitted.

更にまた、色素溶液充填式熱レンズ形成素子を例示した模式図を図２１に示す。図２１に例示するように、色素溶液充填式熱レンズ形成素子８００は、伝熱層膜として作用する入射・出射面ガラス８０１および８０２、側面ガラス８０３および８０４、底面ガラス８０５に囲まれた光学セル８０９の色素溶液充填部８０８へ、導入管８０６の導入口８０７から光吸収層膜兼熱レンズ形成層として作用する色素溶液を充填し、導入口８０７を封じたものである。すなわち、伝熱層膜／光吸収層膜兼熱レンズ形成層／伝熱層膜という単純な素子構成のものである。   Furthermore, a schematic view illustrating a dye solution-filled thermal lens forming element is shown in FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 21, the dye solution-filled thermal lens forming element 800 includes an optical cell surrounded by incident / exit surface glasses 801 and 802, side glasses 803 and 804, and a bottom glass 805 acting as a heat transfer layer film. The dye solution filling portion 808 of 809 is filled with a dye solution that acts as a light absorption layer film and thermal lens forming layer from the introduction port 807 of the introduction tube 806, and the introduction port 807 is sealed. That is, it has a simple element structure of heat transfer layer film / light absorption layer film / heat lens forming layer / heat transfer layer film.

光吸収層膜、熱レンズ形成層、保温層膜、伝熱層膜、光透過層、および屈折率分布型レンズの材料、作成方法、各々の膜厚などについて、以下に、順を追って説明する。   The materials of the light absorption layer film, the thermal lens formation layer, the heat retaining layer film, the heat transfer layer film, the light transmission layer, and the gradient index lens, the manufacturing method, the film thicknesses of each, etc. will be described in order below. .

なお、本発明で用いられる光吸収層膜、熱レンズ形成層、保温層膜、伝熱層膜、光透過層、および屈折率分布型レンズの材料は、その機能に支障をきたさない範囲において、加工性を向上させたり、光学素子としての安定性・耐久性を向上させたりするため、添加物として公知の酸化防止剤、紫外線吸収剤、一重項酸素クエンチャー、分散助剤などを含有しても良い。   In addition, the light absorbing layer film, thermal lens forming layer, heat insulating layer film, heat transfer layer film, light transmission layer, and refractive index distribution type lens material used in the present invention are within the range that does not hinder its function. It contains known antioxidants, UV absorbers, singlet oxygen quenchers, dispersion aids, etc. as additives to improve processability and improve stability and durability as optical elements. Also good.

［光吸収層膜の材料］
本発明で用いられる熱レンズ形成素子中の光吸収層膜に用いられる光吸収性の材料としては、公知の種々のものを使用することができる。 [Material of light absorption layer film]
As the light-absorbing material used for the light-absorbing layer film in the thermal lens forming element used in the present invention, various known materials can be used.

本発明で用いられる熱レンズ形成素子中の光吸収層膜に用いられる光吸収性材料の例を具体的に挙げるならば、例えば、ＧａＡｓ、ＧａＡｓＰ、ＧａＡｌＡｓ、ＩｎＰ、ＩｎＳｂ、ＩｎＡｓ、ＰｂＴｅ、ＩｎＧａＡｓＰ、ＺｎＳｅなどの化合物半導体の単結晶、前記化合物半導体の微粒子をマトリックス材料中へ分散したもの、異種金属イオンをドープした金属ハロゲン化物（例えば、臭化カリウム、塩化ナトリウムなど）の単結晶、前記金属ハロゲン化物（例えば、臭化銅、塩化銅、塩化コバルトなど）の微粒子をマトリックス材料中へ分散したもの、銅などの異種金属イオンをドープしたＣｄＳ、ＣｄＳｅ、ＣｄＳｅＳ、ＣｄＳｅＴｅなどのカドミウムカルコゲナイドの単結晶、前記カドミウムカルコゲナイドの微粒子をマトリックス材料中に分散したもの、シリコン、ゲルマニウム、セレン、テルルなどの半導体単結晶薄膜、多結晶薄膜ないし多孔質薄膜、シリコン、ゲルマニウム、セレン、テルルなどの半導体微粒子をマトリックス材料中へ分散したもの、ルビー、アレキサンドライト、ガーネット、Ｎｄ：ＹＡＧ、サファイア、Ｔｉ：サファイア、Ｎｄ：ＹＬＦなど、金属イオンをドープした宝石に相当する単結晶（いわゆるレーザー結晶）、金属イオン（例えば、鉄イオン）をドープしたニオブ酸リチウム（ＬｉＮｂＯ3）、ＬｉＢ3Ｏ5、ＬｉＴａＯ3、ＫＴｉＯＰＯ4、ＫＨ2ＰＯ4、ＫＮｂＯ3、ＢａＢ2Ｏ2などの強誘電性結晶、金属イオン（例えば、ネオジウムイオン、エルビウムイオンなど）をドープした石英ガラス、ソーダガラス、ホウケイ酸ガラス、その他のガラスなどのほか、マトリックス材料中に色素を溶解または分散したもの、および、非晶質の色素凝集体を好適に使用することができる。 If the example of the light absorptive material used for the light absorption layer film | membrane in the thermal lens formation element used by this invention is specifically mentioned, for example, GaAs, GaAsP, GaAlAs, InP, InSb, InAs, PbTe, InGaAsP, Single crystals of compound semiconductors such as ZnSe, fine particles of the compound semiconductor dispersed in a matrix material, single crystals of metal halides doped with different metal ions (for example, potassium bromide, sodium chloride, etc.), the metal halogens Cadmium chalcogenide single crystals such as CdS, CdSe, CdSeS, and CdSeTe doped with different metal ions such as copper, in which fine particles of a compound (for example, copper bromide, copper chloride, cobalt chloride, etc.) are dispersed in a matrix material, Cadmium chalcogenide fine particles as matrix material Dispersed in, semiconductor single crystal thin film such as silicon, germanium, selenium, tellurium, polycrystalline thin film or porous thin film, semiconductor fine particles such as silicon, germanium, selenium, tellurium dispersed in matrix material, ruby, Alexandrite, Garnet, Nd: YAG, Sapphire, Ti: Sapphire, Nd: YLF, etc. Single crystal (so-called laser crystal) corresponding to gems doped with metal ions, Lithium niobate doped with metal ions (for example, iron ions) (LiNbO 3 ), LiB 3 O 5 , LiTaO 3 , KTiOPO 4 , KH 2 PO 4 , KNbO 3 , BaB 2 O 2 and other ferroelectric crystals, metal ions (for example, neodymium ions, erbium ions, etc.) are doped Quartz glass, soda glass, borosilicate glass, In addition to other glass and the like, those obtained by dissolving or dispersing a dye in a matrix material and amorphous dye aggregates can be preferably used.

これらの中でも、マトリックス材料中に色素を溶解または分散したものは、マトリックス材料および色素の選択範囲が広く、かつ熱レンズ形成素子への加工も容易であるため、特に好適に用いることができる。   Among these, those in which a dye is dissolved or dispersed in a matrix material can be used particularly suitably because the selection range of the matrix material and the dye is wide and processing into a thermal lens forming element is easy.

本発明の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置および光信号光路切替方法で用いることができる色素の具体例としては、例えば、ローダミンＢ、ローダミン６Ｇ、エオシン、フロキシンＢなどのキサンテン系色素、アクリジンオレンジ、アクリジンレッドなどのアクリジン系色素、エチルレッド、メチルレッドなどのアゾ色素、ポルフィリン系色素、フタロシアニン系色素、ナフタロシアニン系色素、３，３’−ジエチルチアカルボシアニンヨージド、３，３’−ジエチルオキサジカルボシアニンヨージドなどのシアニン色素、エチル・バイオレット、ビクトリア・ブルーＲなどのトリアリールメタン系色素、ナフトキノン系色素、アントラキノン系色素、ナフタレンテトラカルボン酸ジイミド系色素、ペリレンテトラカルボン酸ジイミド系色素などを好適に使用することができる。   Specific examples of dyes that can be used in the optically controlled optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus and optical signal optical path switching method of the present invention include, for example, xanthene dyes such as rhodamine B, rhodamine 6G, eosin and phloxine B, acridine Acridine dyes such as orange and acridine red, azo dyes such as ethyl red and methyl red, porphyrin dyes, phthalocyanine dyes, naphthalocyanine dyes, 3,3'-diethylthiacarbocyanine iodide, 3,3'- Cyanine dyes such as diethyl oxadicarbocyanine iodide, triarylmethane dyes such as ethyl violet and Victoria Blue R, naphthoquinone dyes, anthraquinone dyes, naphthalene tetracarboxylic acid diimide dyes, perylene tetracarboxylic acid diimide dyes color It can be suitably used and the like.

本発明の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置および光信号光路切替方法では、これらの色素を単独で、または、２種以上を混合して使用することができる。   In the optically controlled optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus and optical signal optical path switching method of the present invention, these dyes can be used alone or in admixture of two or more.

本発明の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置および光信号光路切替方法で用いることのできるマトリックス材料は、
（１）本発明の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置および光信号光路切替方法で用いられる光の波長領域で透過率が高いこと、
（２）本発明の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置および光信号光路切替方法で用いられる色素または種々の微粒子を安定性良く溶解または分散できること、
という条件を満足するものであれば任意のものを使用することができる。 The matrix material that can be used in the optically controlled optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus and the optical signal optical path switching method of the present invention,
(1) The transmittance is high in the wavelength region of light used in the optically controlled optical path switching type optical signal transmission device and optical signal optical path switching method of the present invention;
(2) The dye or various fine particles used in the optically controlled optical path switching type optical signal transmission device and optical signal optical path switching method of the present invention can be dissolved or dispersed with good stability.
Any material can be used as long as the above condition is satisfied.

無機系固体状のマトリックス材料としては、例えば金属ハロゲン化物の単結晶、金属酸化物の単結晶、金属カルコゲナイドの単結晶、石英ガラス、ソーダガラス、ホウケイ酸ガラスなどの他、いわゆるゾルゲル法で作成された低融点ガラス材料などを使用することができる。   Examples of inorganic solid matrix materials include metal halide single crystals, metal oxide single crystals, metal chalcogenide single crystals, quartz glass, soda glass, borosilicate glass, and so-called sol-gel methods. Other low melting glass materials can be used.

無機系液体状のマトリックス材料としては、水、水ガラス（アルカリケイ酸塩の濃厚水溶液）、塩酸、硫酸、硝酸、王水、クロルスルホン酸、メタンスルホン酸、トリフルオロメタンスルホン酸、などを使用することができる。   Water, water glass (concentrated aqueous solution of alkali silicate), hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, aqua regia, chlorosulfonic acid, methanesulfonic acid, trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, etc. are used as the inorganic liquid matrix material. be able to.

また、有機系液体状のマトリックス材料として、例えば種々の有機溶剤を使用することができる。有機溶剤としては、具体的には、メタノール、エタノール、イソプロピルアルコール、ｎ−ブタノール、アミルアルコール、シクロヘキサノール、ベンジルアルコールなどのアルコール類、エチレングリコール、ジエチレングリコール、グリセリンなどの多価アルコール類、酢酸エチル、酢酸ｎ−ブチル、酢酸アミル、酢酸イソプロピルなどのエステル類、アセトン、メチルエチルケトン、メチルイソブチルケトン、シクロヘキサノンなどのケトン類、ジエチルエーテル、ジブチルエーテル、メトキシエタノール、エトキシエタノール、ブトキシエタノール、カルビトールなどのエーテル類、テトラヒドロフラン、１、４−ジオキサン、１、３−ジオキソラン、などの環状エーテル類、ジクロロメタン、クロロホルム、四塩化炭素、１、２−ジクロロエタン、１、１、２−トリクロロエタン、トリクレン、ブロモホルム、ジブロモメタン、ジヨードメタン、などのハロゲン化炭化水素類、ベンゼン、トルエン、キシレン、クロロベンゼン、ｏ−ジクロロベンゼン、ニトロベンゼン、アニソール、α−クロロナフタレンなどの芳香族炭化水素類、ｎ−ペンタン、ｎ−ヘキサン、ｎ−ヘプタン、シクロヘキサンなどの脂肪族炭化水素類、Ｎ，Ｎ−ジメチルホルムアミド、Ｎ，Ｎ−ジメチルアセトアミド、ヘキサメチルホスホリックトリアミドなどのアミド類、Ｎ−メチルピロリドンなどの環状アミド類、テトラメチル尿素、１、３−ジメチル−２−イミダゾリジノンなどの尿素誘導体類、ジメチルスルホキシドなどのスルホキシド類、炭酸エチレン、炭酸プロピレンなどの炭酸エステル類、アセトニトリル、プロピオニトリル、ベンゾニトリルなどのニトリル類、ピリジン、キノリンなどの含窒素複素環化合物類、トリエチルアミン、トリエタノールアミン、ジエチルアミノアルコール、アニリンなどのアミン類、クロル酢酸、トリクロル酢酸、トリフルオロ酢酸、酢酸などの有機酸の他、ニトロメタン、二硫化炭素、スルホランなどの溶剤を用いることができる。これらの溶剤は、また、複数の種類のものを混合して用いても良い。   In addition, as the organic liquid matrix material, for example, various organic solvents can be used. Specific examples of the organic solvent include alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, n-butanol, amyl alcohol, cyclohexanol, and benzyl alcohol, polyhydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, and glycerin, ethyl acetate, Esters such as n-butyl acetate, amyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, cyclohexanone, ethers such as diethyl ether, dibutyl ether, methoxyethanol, ethoxyethanol, butoxyethanol, carbitol , Tetrahydrofuran, 1,4-dioxane, 1,3-dioxolane, and the like, dichloromethane, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, 1,2- Halogenated hydrocarbons such as chloroethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, trichlene, bromoform, dibromomethane, diiodomethane, benzene, toluene, xylene, chlorobenzene, o-dichlorobenzene, nitrobenzene, anisole, α-chloronaphthalene, etc. Aromatic hydrocarbons, n-pentane, n-hexane, n-heptane, aliphatic hydrocarbons such as cyclohexane, amides such as N, N-dimethylformamide, N, N-dimethylacetamide, hexamethylphosphoric triamide , Cyclic amides such as N-methylpyrrolidone, tetramethylurea, urea derivatives such as 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone, sulfoxides such as dimethylsulfoxide, carbonates such as ethylene carbonate and propylene carbonate , Nitriles such as acetonitrile, propionitrile and benzonitrile, nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds such as pyridine and quinoline, amines such as triethylamine, triethanolamine, diethylaminoalcohol and aniline, chloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid and trifluoroacetic acid In addition to organic acids such as acetic acid, solvents such as nitromethane, carbon disulfide, and sulfolane can be used. These solvents may be used by mixing a plurality of types.

更に、有機系のマトリックス材料として、液体状、固体状、ガラス状またはゴム状の有機高分子材料を使用することができる。その具体例としては、ポリスチレン、ポリ（α−メチルスチレン）、ポリインデン、ポリ（４−メチル−１−ペンテン）、ポリビニルピリジン、ポリビニルホルマール、ポリビニルアセタール、ポリビニルブチラール、ポリ酢酸ビニル、ポリビニルアルコール、ポリ塩化ビニル、ポリ塩化ビニリデン、ポリビニルメチルエーテル、ポリビニルエチルエーテル、ポリビニルベンジルエーテル、ポリビニルメチルケトン、ポリ（Ｎ−ビニルカルバゾール）、ポリ（Ｎ−ビニルピロリドン）、ポリアクリル酸メチル、ポリアクリル酸エチル、ポリアクリル酸、ポリアクリロニトリル、ポリメタクリル酸メチル、ポリメタクリル酸エチル、ポリメタクリル酸ブチル、ポリメタクリル酸ベンジル、ポリメタクリル酸シクロヘキシル、ポリメタクリル酸、ポリメタクリル酸アミド、ポリメタクリロニトリル、ポリアセトアルデヒド、ポリクロラール、ポリエチレンオキシド、ポリプロピレンオキシド、ポリエチレンテレフタレート、ポリブチレンテレフタレート、ポリカーボネート類（ビスフェノール類＋炭酸）、ポリ（ジエチレングリコール・ビスアリルカーボネイト）類、６−ナイロン、６，６−ナイロン、１２−ナイロン、６，１２−ナイロン、ポリアスパラギン酸エチル、ポリグルタミン酸エチル、ポリリジン、ポリプロリン、ポリ（γ−ベンジル−Ｌ−グルタメート）、メチルセルロース、エチルセルロース、ベンジルセルロース、ヒドロキシエチルセルロース、ヒドロキシプロピルセルロース、アセチルセルロース、セルローストリアセテート、セルローストリブチレート、アルキド樹脂（無水フタル酸＋グリセリン）、脂肪酸変性アルキド樹脂（脂肪酸＋無水フタル酸＋グリセリン）、不飽和ポリエステル樹脂（無水マレイン酸＋無水フタル酸＋プロピレングリコール）、エポキシ樹脂（ビスフェノール類＋エピクロルヒドリン）、ポリウレタン樹脂、フェノール樹脂、尿素樹脂、メラミン樹脂、キシレン樹脂、トルエン樹脂、グアナミン樹脂などの樹脂、ポリ（フェニルメチルシラン）などの有機ポリシラン、有機ポリゲルマンおよびこれらの共重合・共重縮合体が挙げられる。また、二硫化炭素、四フッ化炭素、エチルベンゼン、パーフルオロベンゼン、パーフルオロシクロヘキサンまたはトリメチルクロロシラン等、通常では重合性のない化合物をプラズマ重合して得た高分子化合物などを使用することができる。更に、これらの有機高分子化合物に色素の残基をモノマー単位の側鎖として、もしくは架橋基として、共重合モノマー単位として、または重合開始末端として結合させたものをマトリックス材料として使用することもできる。更に、前記の色素残基とマトリックス材料が化学結合を形成していても良い。   Furthermore, liquid, solid, glassy or rubbery organic polymer materials can be used as the organic matrix material. Specific examples thereof include polystyrene, poly (α-methylstyrene), polyindene, poly (4-methyl-1-pentene), polyvinylpyridine, polyvinyl formal, polyvinyl acetal, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polychlorinated. Vinyl, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl methyl ether, polyvinyl ethyl ether, polyvinyl benzyl ether, polyvinyl methyl ketone, poly (N-vinyl carbazole), poly (N-vinyl pyrrolidone), methyl polyacrylate, polyethyl acrylate, polyacryl Acid, polyacrylonitrile, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethyl methacrylate, polybutyl methacrylate, polybenzyl methacrylate, polycyclohexyl methacrylate, polymethacrylic acid, Rimethacrylamide, polymethacrylonitrile, polyacetaldehyde, polychloral, polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polycarbonates (bisphenols + carbonic acid), poly (diethylene glycol bisallyl carbonate), 6- Nylon, 6,6-nylon, 12-nylon, 6,12-nylon, polyethyl aspartate, ethyl polyglutamate, polylysine, polyproline, poly (γ-benzyl-L-glutamate), methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, benzylcellulose, Hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, acetyl cellulose, cellulose triacetate, cellulose tributyrate, alkyd Fat (phthalic anhydride + glycerin), fatty acid-modified alkyd resin (fatty acid + phthalic anhydride + glycerin), unsaturated polyester resin (maleic anhydride + phthalic anhydride + propylene glycol), epoxy resin (bisphenols + epichlorohydrin), polyurethane Resins, phenol resins, urea resins, melamine resins, xylene resins, toluene resins, guanamine resins and other resins, organic polysilanes such as poly (phenylmethylsilane), organic polygermanes, and copolymers / copolycondensates thereof. . In addition, a polymer compound obtained by plasma polymerization of a compound that is not normally polymerizable, such as carbon disulfide, carbon tetrafluoride, ethylbenzene, perfluorobenzene, perfluorocyclohexane, or trimethylchlorosilane, can be used. Furthermore, those obtained by bonding the residue of the dye to these organic polymer compounds as a side chain of the monomer unit, as a crosslinking group, as a copolymerization monomer unit, or as a polymerization initiation terminal can be used as a matrix material. . Further, the dye residue and the matrix material may form a chemical bond.

これらのマトリックス材料中へ色素を溶解または分散させるには公知の方法を用いることができる。例えば、色素とマトリックス材料を共通の溶媒中へ溶解して混合した後、溶媒を蒸発させて除去する方法、ゾルゲル法で製造する無機系マトリックス材料の原料溶液へ色素を溶解または分散させてからマトリックス材料を形成する方法、有機高分子系マトリックス材料のモノマー中へ、必要に応じて溶媒を用いて、色素を溶解または分散させてから該モノマーを重合ないし重縮合させてマトリックス材料を形成する方法、色素と有機高分子系マトリックス材料を共通の溶媒中に溶解した溶液を、色素および熱可塑性の有機高分子系マトリックス材料の両方が不溶の溶剤中へ滴下し、生じた沈殿を濾別し乾燥してから加熱・溶融加工する方法などを好適に用いることができる。色素とマトリックス材料の組み合わせおよび加工方法を工夫することで、色素分子を凝集させ、「Ｈ会合体」や「Ｊ会合体」などと呼ばれる特殊な会合体を形成させられることが知られているが、マトリックス材料中の色素分子をこのような凝集状態もしくは会合状態を形成する条件で使用しても良い。   Known methods can be used to dissolve or disperse the dye in these matrix materials. For example, the dye and matrix material are dissolved and mixed in a common solvent, then the solvent is evaporated and removed, or the dye is dissolved or dispersed in the raw material solution of the inorganic matrix material produced by the sol-gel method, and then the matrix A method of forming a material, a method of forming a matrix material by dissolving or dispersing a dye in a monomer of an organic polymer matrix material, if necessary, and then polymerizing or polycondensing the monomer; A solution in which a dye and an organic polymer matrix material are dissolved in a common solvent is dropped into a solvent in which both the dye and the thermoplastic organic polymer matrix material are insoluble, and the resulting precipitate is filtered and dried. For example, a method of heating / melting can be preferably used. It is known that by combining the dye and matrix material and processing methods, the dye molecules can be aggregated to form a special aggregate called “H aggregate” or “J aggregate”. The dye molecules in the matrix material may be used under conditions that form such an aggregated state or an associated state.

また、これらのマトリックス材料中へ前記の種々の微粒子を分散させるには公知の方法を用いることができる。例えば、前記微粒子をマトリックス材料の溶液、または、マトリックス材料の前駆体の溶液に分散した後、溶媒を除去する方法、有機高分子系マトリックス材料のモノマー中へ、必要に応じて溶媒を用いて、前記微粒子を分散させてから該モノマーを重合ないし重縮合させてマトリックス材料を形成する方法、微粒子の前駆体として、例えば過塩素酸カドミウムや塩化金などの金属塩を有機高分子系マトリックス材料中へ溶解または分散した後、硫化水素ガスで処理して硫化カドミウムの微粒子を、または、熱処理することで金の微粒子を、それぞれマトリックス材料中に析出させる方法、化学的気相成長法、スパッタリング法などを好適に用いることができる。   A known method can be used to disperse the various fine particles in these matrix materials. For example, after the fine particles are dispersed in a matrix material solution or a matrix material precursor solution, a method of removing the solvent, into the monomer of the organic polymer matrix material, if necessary, using a solvent, A method for forming a matrix material by polymerizing or polycondensing the monomer after dispersing the fine particles, and as a precursor of the fine particles, for example, a metal salt such as cadmium perchlorate or gold chloride into an organic polymer matrix material. After dissolution or dispersion, a method of depositing fine particles of cadmium sulfide by treatment with hydrogen sulfide gas or gold fine particles by heat treatment, a chemical vapor deposition method, a sputtering method, etc. It can be used suitably.

色素を単独で、光散乱の少ない非晶質状態（アモルファス）の薄膜として存在させることができる場合は、マトリックス材料を用いずに、非晶質色素膜を光吸収層膜として用いることもできる。   In the case where the dye can be present alone as an amorphous thin film with little light scattering, an amorphous dye film can also be used as the light absorption layer film without using a matrix material.

また、色素を単独で、光散乱を起こさない微結晶凝集体として存在させることができる場合は、マトリックス材料を用いずに、色素の微結晶凝集体を光吸収層膜として用いることもできる。本発明で用いられる熱レンズ形成素子におけるように、光吸収層膜としての色素微結晶凝集体が、熱レンズ形成層（樹脂など）、伝熱層膜（ガラスなど）および／または保温層膜（樹脂など）と積層されて存在する場合、前記色素微小結晶の粒子径が前記信号光の波長と制御光の波長を比べて短い方の波長の１／５を超えない大きさであれば、実質的に光散乱を起こさない。   In addition, when the dye can be present alone as a microcrystal aggregate that does not cause light scattering, the microcrystal aggregate of the dye can be used as the light absorption layer film without using the matrix material. As in the thermal lens forming element used in the present invention, the dye crystallite aggregate as the light absorbing layer film is formed from a thermal lens forming layer (resin etc.), a heat transfer layer film (glass etc.) and / or a heat insulating layer film ( If the particle size of the dye microcrystal is a size that does not exceed 1/5 of the shorter wavelength compared with the wavelength of the signal light and the wavelength of the control light, Does not cause light scattering.

［光吸収層膜の材料、信号光の波長帯域、および、制御光の波長帯域の組み合わせと順序］
本発明の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置および光信号光路切替方法で使用される光吸収層膜の材料、信号光の波長帯域、および制御光の波長帯域は、これらの組み合わせとして、使用目的に応じて適切な組み合わせを選定し用いることができる。 [Combination and Order of Light Absorbing Layer Film Material, Signal Light Wavelength Band, and Control Light Wavelength Band]
The material of the light absorption layer film, the wavelength band of the signal light, and the wavelength band of the control light used in the optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission device and the optical signal optical path switching method of the present invention are used as a combination thereof. An appropriate combination can be selected and used according to the purpose.

具体的な設定手順としては、例えば、まず、使用目的に応じて信号光の波長ないし波長帯域を決定し、これを制御するのに最適な光吸収層膜の材料と制御光の波長の組み合わせを選定すれば良い。または、使用目的に応じて信号光と制御光の波長の組み合わせを決定してから、この組み合わせに適した光吸収層膜の材料を選定すれば良い。   As a specific setting procedure, for example, first, the wavelength or wavelength band of signal light is determined according to the purpose of use, and a combination of the material of the light absorption layer film and the wavelength of control light that is optimal for controlling this is selected. It only has to be selected. Alternatively, after determining the combination of the wavelengths of the signal light and the control light according to the purpose of use, a material for the light absorption layer film suitable for this combination may be selected.

このような選定手順の具体例として、信号光としてギガヘルツオーダーで超高速変調可能な半導体レーザーから発振する波長８５０ｎｍ、１３５０ｎｍあるいは１５５０ｎｍなどの近赤外線を用い、これを、複数の可視光線波長帯域の制御光で光路切替するケースを以下に例示する。制御光の光源としてはサブミリ秒以下の応答速度で断続可能な連続（ＣＷ）発振方式のレーザーを好適に用いることができる。例えば、短波長側から、４０５ないし４４５ｎｍの青紫ないし青色半導体レーザー、半導体励起Ｎｄ：ＹＡＧレーザーの波長１０６４ｎｍを２次非線形光学素子で５３２ｎｍの緑色に変換したもの、６３５ないし６７０ｎｍの赤色半導体レーザー、および、７８０ないし８００ｎｍの近赤外線レーザーを選定し、好適に使用することができる。これらの制御光波長帯域に吸収を示し、８５０ｎｍないし１５５０ｎｍの近赤外線を吸収しない色素として、例えば、Ｎ，Ｎ’−ビス（２，５−ジ−tert−ブチルフェニル）−３，４，９，１０−ペリレンジカルボキシイミド（N,N'-Bis(2,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)-3,4,9,10-perylenedicarboximide）〔１〕、

Figure 0003906926
銅(II)２，９，１６，２３−テトラ−tert−ブチル−２９Ｈ，３１Ｈ−フタロシアニン（Copper(II)2,9,16,23-tetra-tert-butyl-29H,31H-phthalocyanine）〔２〕、
Figure 0003906926
 バナジル２，１１，２０，２９−テトラ−tert−ブチル−２，３−ナフタロシアニン（Vanadyl 2,11,20,29-tetra-tert-butyl-2,3-naphthalocyanine）〔３〕、
Figure 0003906926
 などを２つ以上選定して、各々好適に使用することができる。これらの色素はいずれも耐光性および耐熱性が高く、本発明の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置および光信号光路切替方法において熱レンズ形成のための光吸収層膜用の色素として特に好適である。色素〔１〕、〔２〕および〔３〕のテトラヒドロフラン溶液の透過率スペクトルを図２２に各々実線、鎖線および一点鎖線で示す。図２２には示していないが、これらの色素溶液は９００ないし１５５０ｎｍの近赤外線領域においても９８％以上の透過率を示す。 As a specific example of such a selection procedure, near-infrared light having a wavelength of 850 nm, 1350 nm, or 1550 nm oscillated from a semiconductor laser capable of ultra-high speed modulation in the gigahertz order is used as signal light, and this is used for control of a plurality of visible light wavelength bands. A case where the optical path is switched by light is exemplified below. As the light source of the control light, a continuous (CW) oscillation type laser that can be interrupted at a response speed of sub millisecond or less can be suitably used. For example, from the short wavelength side, a 405 to 445 nm blue-violet to blue semiconductor laser, a semiconductor-pumped Nd: YAG laser having a wavelength of 1064 nm converted to 532 nm green with a second-order nonlinear optical element, a 635 to 670 nm red semiconductor laser, and , A near-infrared laser of 780 to 800 nm can be selected and used suitably. Examples of dyes that exhibit absorption in these control light wavelength bands and do not absorb near infrared light of 850 nm to 1550 nm include, for example, N, N′-bis (2,5-di-tert-butylphenyl) -3,4,9, 10-perylenedicarboximide (N, N′-Bis (2,5-di-tert-butylphenyl) -3,4,9,10-perylenedicarboximide) [1],
Figure 0003906926
 Copper (II) 2,9,16,23-tetra-tert-butyl-29H, 31H-phthalocyanine (Copper (II) 2,9,16,23-tetra-tert-butyl-29H, 31H-phthalocyanine) [2 ],
Figure 0003906926
 Vanadyl 2,11,20,29-tetra-tert-butyl-2,3-naphthalocyanine [3],
Figure 0003906926
 Two or more of these can be selected and used appropriately. All of these dyes have high light resistance and heat resistance, and are particularly suitable as a dye for a light absorbing layer film for forming a thermal lens in the light control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission device and optical signal optical path switching method of the present invention. It is. The transmittance spectra of the tetrahydrofuran solutions of the dyes [1], [2] and [3] are shown in FIG. 22 by a solid line, a chain line and a one-dot chain line, respectively. Although not shown in FIG. 22, these dye solutions show a transmittance of 98% or more even in the near infrared region of 900 to 1550 nm.

前記制御光レーザーの発振波長と、これら色素の透過率スペクトルとの関係を表１に示す。   Table 1 shows the relationship between the oscillation wavelength of the control light laser and the transmittance spectrum of these dyes.

Figure 0003906926
Figure 0003906926

表１から判るように、色素〔１〕は波長４４５ないし５３２ｎｍの制御光を吸収して熱レンズを形成するような熱レンズ形成素子の光吸収層膜の材料として好適である。同様に色素〔２〕は波長６３５ないし６７０ｎｍに対応する光吸収層膜の材料として、また、色素〔３〕は波長７８０ないし８００ｎｍに対応する光吸収層膜の材料として好適である。これらの色素は前記溶剤に溶解させて光学セルへ充填し、または有機高分子材料中に溶解させて伝熱層膜に挟んで、あるいは、伝熱層膜上にスピンコート膜または蒸着膜として成膜して、使用することができる。   As can be seen from Table 1, the dye [1] is suitable as a material for a light absorption layer film of a thermal lens forming element that absorbs control light having a wavelength of 445 to 532 nm to form a thermal lens. Similarly, the dye [2] is suitable as a material for a light absorbing layer film corresponding to a wavelength of 635 to 670 nm, and the dye [3] is suitable as a material for a light absorbing layer film corresponding to a wavelength of 780 to 800 nm. These dyes are dissolved in the solvent and filled into the optical cell, or dissolved in an organic polymer material and sandwiched between the heat transfer layer films, or formed on the heat transfer layer film as a spin coat film or a vapor deposition film. Membrane can be used.

これらの色素を２種類以上選択して使用する場合、各々の色素の吸収波長帯域に対応する熱レンズ形成素子を含む光路切替機構を、吸収波長帯域の短い方から順に連結して使用することが好ましい。すなわち、例えば、第１段目の光路切替機構に色素〔１〕、第２段目に色素〔２〕または〔３〕の２段構成、第１段目に色素〔１〕、第２段目に色素〔２〕、第３段目に色素〔３〕の３段構成として使用することで、各色素の吸収帯域と非吸収帯域を無駄なく重ねて利用することが可能である。   When two or more types of these dyes are selected and used, an optical path switching mechanism including a thermal lens forming element corresponding to the absorption wavelength band of each dye may be used by connecting them in order from the shorter absorption wavelength band. preferable. That is, for example, the first-stage optical path switching mechanism includes the dye [1], the second stage the dye [2] or [3], the two-stage configuration, the first stage the dye [1], the second stage In addition, the dye [2] and the dye [3] in the third stage are used as a three-stage structure, so that the absorption band and the non-absorption band of each dye can be used without waste.

［光吸収層膜の材料の組成、光吸収層膜中の光吸収層膜の膜厚、および熱レンズ形成層の膜厚］
本発明の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置および光信号光路切替方法で用いられる熱レンズ形成素子において、光吸収層膜は、「光吸収膜」単独の単層膜、あるいは、「光吸収膜／熱レンズ形成層」という２層構造、または、「光吸収膜／熱レンズ形成層／光吸収膜」という３層構造の積層型薄膜のいずれであっても良く、光吸収層膜全体の厚さは、収束された前記制御光の共焦点距離の２倍を超えないことが好ましい。更に、一層高速な応答速度を目指す場合は、前記積層型薄膜からなる光吸収層膜の厚さは、収束された前記制御光の共焦点距離の１倍を超えないことが好ましい。 [Composition of light absorbing layer film material, film thickness of light absorbing layer film in light absorbing layer film, and film thickness of thermal lens forming layer]
In the thermal lens forming element used in the optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus and optical signal optical path switching method of the present invention, the light absorption layer film is a single layer film of “light absorption film” alone or “light absorption layer”. Either a two-layer structure called “film / thermal lens forming layer” or a laminated thin film having a three-layer structure called “light absorbing film / thermal lens forming layer / light absorbing film” may be used. The thickness preferably does not exceed twice the confocal distance of the converged control light. Furthermore, when aiming at a higher response speed, it is preferable that the thickness of the light absorption layer film made of the laminated thin film does not exceed one time the confocal distance of the converged control light.

このような条件の中で、本発明で用いられる光吸収層膜の材料の組成および光吸収層膜中の光吸収膜（１または２枚）の膜厚については、これらの組み合わせとして、光吸収層膜を透過する制御光および信号光の透過率を基準にして設定することができる。例えば、まず、光吸収層膜の材料の組成の内、少なくとも制御光あるいは信号光を吸収する成分の濃度を決定し、次いで、熱レンズ形成素子を透過する制御光および信号光の透過率が特定の値になるよう光吸収層膜中の光吸収膜（１または２枚）の膜厚を設定することができる。または、まず、例えば装置設計上の必要に応じて、光吸収層膜中の光吸収膜（１または２枚）の膜厚を特定の値に設定した後、熱レンズ形成素子を透過する制御光および信号光の透過率が特定の値になるよう光吸収層膜の材料の組成を調整することができる。   Under such conditions, the composition of the material of the light absorption layer film used in the present invention and the film thickness of the light absorption film (one or two) in the light absorption layer film may be a combination of these. It can be set on the basis of the transmittance of the control light and signal light transmitted through the layer film. For example, first, determine the concentration of at least the component that absorbs control light or signal light in the composition of the material of the light absorption layer film, and then specify the transmittance of control light and signal light that passes through the thermal lens forming element. The film thickness of the light absorption film (1 or 2 sheets) in the light absorption layer film can be set so that the value becomes. Alternatively, first, for example, according to the necessity for device design, after setting the film thickness of the light absorption film (one or two) in the light absorption layer film to a specific value, the control light transmitted through the thermal lens forming element In addition, the composition of the material of the light absorption layer film can be adjusted so that the transmittance of the signal light becomes a specific value.

本発明の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置および光信号光路切替方法で用いられる熱レンズ形成素子から、できる限り低い光パワーで充分な大きさおよび高速度の熱レンズ効果を引き出すために最適な、光吸収層膜を透過する制御光および信号光の透過率の値は、それぞれ、次に示す通りである。   Optimal for extracting thermal lens effect of sufficient size and high speed with as low light power as possible from the thermal lens forming element used in the optically controlled optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus and optical signal path switching method of the present invention. The values of the transmittance of the control light and the signal light that are transmitted through the light absorption layer film are as follows.

本発明の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置および光信号光路切替方法で用いられる熱レンズ形成素子においては、熱レンズ形成素子中の光吸収層膜を伝播する制御光の透過率が９０％ないし０％になるよう光吸収層膜中の光吸収成分の濃度および存在状態の制御、光吸収層膜中の光吸収膜（１または２枚）の膜厚設定を行うことが推奨される。   In the thermal lens forming element used in the optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus and optical signal optical path switching method of the present invention, the transmittance of the control light propagating through the light absorbing layer film in the thermal lens forming element is 90%. It is also recommended to control the concentration and existence state of the light absorption component in the light absorption layer film and to set the film thickness of the light absorption film (one or two) in the light absorption layer film so that it becomes 0%.

一方、制御光を照射しない状態において、熱レンズ形成素子中の光吸収層膜を伝播する信号光の透過率が下限として１０％以上、また、上限としては１００％に限りなく近づくよう光吸収層膜中の光吸収成分の濃度および存在状態の制御、光吸収層膜中の光吸収膜（１または２枚）の膜厚設定を行うことが推奨される。   On the other hand, in a state where the control light is not irradiated, the light absorption layer is such that the transmittance of the signal light propagating through the light absorption layer film in the thermal lens forming element approaches 10% or more as a lower limit and 100% as an upper limit. It is recommended to control the concentration and existence state of the light absorption component in the film and to set the film thickness of the light absorption film (one or two) in the light absorption layer film.

光吸収層膜中の熱レンズ形成層膜厚の下限は、以下に記載するように、熱レンズ形成層の材料に応じて選定される。   The lower limit of the thermal lens forming layer thickness in the light absorbing layer film is selected according to the material of the thermal lens forming layer as described below.

［光吸収層膜中の熱レンズ形成層の材料および熱レンズ形成層の膜厚］
単層の光吸収膜そのものを、熱レンズ形成層として作用させても良いが、光吸収と熱レンズ形成の機能を別々の材料に分担させて、各々選択された最適の材料を積層して使用することもできる。 [Material of thermal lens forming layer in light absorbing layer film and film thickness of thermal lens forming layer]
The single-layer light absorption film itself may act as a thermal lens formation layer, but the functions of light absorption and thermal lens formation are shared by different materials, and each selected optimum material is used in layers. You can also

光吸収層膜中の熱レンズ形成層の材料としては液体、液晶、および、固体の材料を用いることができる。特に、熱レンズ形成層が、非晶質の有機化合物、有機化合物液体、および液晶からなる群から選ばれる有機化合物からなると好適である。なお、熱レンズ形成層の材質が液晶および液体の場合、例えば、光吸収膜および／または伝熱層膜を自己形態保持性の材質で作成し、熱レンズ形成層の厚さに相当する空乏を設け、そこへ流動状態の熱レンズ形成層材料を注入することで、熱レンズ形成層を作成することができる。一方、熱レンズ形成層の材質が固体の場合は、熱レンズ形成層の片面または両面に光吸収膜を積層させて作成すれば良い。   As the material of the thermal lens forming layer in the light absorption layer film, liquid, liquid crystal, and solid material can be used. In particular, the thermal lens forming layer is preferably made of an organic compound selected from the group consisting of an amorphous organic compound, an organic compound liquid, and a liquid crystal. When the material of the thermal lens forming layer is liquid crystal or liquid, for example, a light absorption film and / or a heat transfer layer film is made of a self-form-retaining material, and depletion corresponding to the thickness of the thermal lens forming layer is achieved. A thermal lens forming layer can be created by providing and injecting a thermal lens forming layer material in a fluid state there. On the other hand, when the material of the thermal lens forming layer is solid, the thermal lens forming layer may be formed by laminating a light absorbing film on one or both sides of the thermal lens forming layer.

熱レンズ形成層の材質は単一でなくとも良く、例えば、複数種類の固体の積層膜であっても良く、また、固体と液体を積層させたものであっても良い。   The thermal lens forming layer may not be made of a single material, and may be, for example, a laminated film of a plurality of types of solids or a laminate of solid and liquid.

熱レンズ形成層の厚さは、用いる材料の種類にもよるが、数ナノメートルから１ｍｍの範囲の厚さであれば良く、数十ナノメートルから数百μｍの範囲であれば特に好適である。   Although the thickness of the thermal lens forming layer depends on the type of material used, it may be in the range of several nanometers to 1 mm, and is particularly suitable in the range of several tens of nanometers to several hundreds of micrometers. .

前述のように、熱レンズ形成層と１または２枚の光吸収膜を積層してなる光吸収層膜の合計の厚さは、収束された前記制御光の共焦点距離の２倍を超えないことが好ましい。   As described above, the total thickness of the light absorption layer film formed by laminating the thermal lens forming layer and one or two light absorption films does not exceed twice the confocal distance of the converged control light. It is preferable.

光吸収層膜中の熱レンズ形成層の材料としては液体、液晶、および、固体の材料を用いることができるが、いずれの場合も屈折率の温度依存性が大きい材料が好ましい。   As the material for the thermal lens forming layer in the light absorption layer film, liquid, liquid crystal, and solid material can be used. In any case, a material having a large temperature dependence of the refractive index is preferable.

代表的な有機化合物液体および水の屈折率温度依存性の物性値は文献［D.Solimini:J.Appl.Phys.,vol.37,3314(1966)］に記載されている。波長６３３ｎｍの光に対する屈折率の温度変化［単位：１／Ｋ］は、水（０．８×１０-4）よりもメタノール（３．９×１０-4）などのアルコールが大きく、更に、シクロペンタン（５．７×１０-4）、ベンゼン（６．４×１０-4）、クロロホルム（５．８×１０-4）、二硫化炭素（７．７×１０-4）などの非水素結合性有機溶剤が大きい。 The refractive index temperature-dependent physical property values of typical organic compound liquids and water are described in the literature [D. Solimini: J. Appl. Phys., Vol. 37, 3314 (1966)]. The temperature change [unit: 1 / K] of the refractive index with respect to light having a wavelength of 633 nm is larger in alcohol such as methanol (3.9 × 10 −4 ) than in water (0.8 × 10 −4 ). Non-hydrogen bonds such as pentane (5.7 × 10 −4 ), benzene (6.4 × 10 −4 ), chloroform (5.8 × 10 −4 ), carbon disulfide (7.7 × 10 −4 ) Large organic solvent.

光吸収層膜中の熱レンズ形成層の材料として液晶を用いる場合、液晶としては、公知の任意のものを使用することができる。具体的には、種々のコレステロール誘導体、４’−ｎ−ブトキシベンジリデン−４−シアノアニリン、４’−ｎ−ヘキシルベンジリデン−４−シアノアニリンなどの４’−アルコキシベンジリデン−４−シアノアニリン類、４’−エトキシベンジリデン−４−ｎ−ブチルアニリン、４’−メトキシベンジリデンアミノアゾベンゼン、４−（４’−メトキシベンジリデン）アミノビフェニル、４−（４’−メトキシベンジリデン）アミノスチルベンなどの４’−アルコキシベンジリデンアニリン類、４’−シアノベンジリデン−４−ｎ−ブチトキシアニリン、４’−シアノベンジリデン−４−ｎ−ヘキシルオキシアニリンなどの４’−シアノベンジリデン−４−アルコキシアニリン類、４’−ｎ−ブトキシカルボニルオキシベンジリデン−４−メトキシアニリン、ｐ−カルボキシフェニル・ｎ−アミルカーボネイト、ｎ−ヘプチル・４−（４’−エトキシフェノキシカルボニル）フェニルカーボネイトなどの炭酸エステル類、４−ｎ−ブチル安息香酸・４’−エトキシフェニル、４−ｎ−ブチル安息香酸・４’−オクチルオキシフェニル、４−ｎ−ペンチル安息香酸・４’−ヘキシルオキシフェニルなどの４−アルキル安息香酸・４’−アルコキシフェニルエステル類、４，４’−ジ−ｎ−アミルオキシアゾキシベンゼン、４，４’−ジ−ｎ−ノニルオキシアゾキシベンゼンなどのアゾキシベンゼン誘導体、４−シアノ−４’−ｎ−オクチルビフェニル、４−シアノ−４’−ｎ−ドデシルビフェニルなどの４−シアノ−４’−アルキルビフェニル類などの液晶、および（２Ｓ，３Ｓ）−３−メチル−２−クロロペンタノイック酸・４’，４”−オクチルオキシビフェニル、４’−（２−メチルブチル）ビフェニル−４−カルボン酸・４−ヘキシルオキシフェニル、４’−オクチルビフェニル−４−カルボン酸・４−（２−メチルブチル）フェニルなどの強誘電性液晶を使用することができる。   When liquid crystal is used as the material of the thermal lens forming layer in the light absorption layer film, any known liquid crystal can be used. Specifically, various cholesterol derivatives, 4′-n-butoxybenzylidene-4-cyanoaniline, 4′-alkoxybenzylidene-4-cyanoanilines such as 4′-n-hexylbenzylidene-4-cyanoaniline, 4 4'-alkoxybenzylidene such as' -ethoxybenzylidene-4-n-butylaniline, 4'-methoxybenzylideneaminoazobenzene, 4- (4'-methoxybenzylidene) aminobiphenyl, 4- (4'-methoxybenzylidene) aminostilbene Anilines, 4′-cyanobenzylidene-4-n-butoxyaniline, 4′-cyanobenzylidene-4-alkoxyanilines such as 4′-cyanobenzylidene-4-n-hexyloxyaniline, 4′-n-butoxy Carbonyloxybenzylidene-4- Carbonates such as toxaniline, p-carboxyphenyl n-amyl carbonate, n-heptyl 4- (4′-ethoxyphenoxycarbonyl) phenyl carbonate, 4-n-butylbenzoic acid 4′-ethoxyphenyl, 4 4-alkylbenzoic acids, 4′-alkoxyphenyl esters such as 4-n-butylbenzoic acid, 4′-octyloxyphenyl, 4-n-pentylbenzoic acid, 4′-hexyloxyphenyl, 4,4′-di Azoxybenzene derivatives such as -n-amyloxyazoxybenzene, 4,4'-di-n-nonyloxyazoxybenzene, 4-cyano-4'-n-octylbiphenyl, 4-cyano-4'-n Liquid crystals such as 4-cyano-4′-alkylbiphenyls such as dodecylbiphenyl, and (2S, 3S) 3-methyl-2-chloropentanoic acid • 4 ′, 4 ″ -octyloxybiphenyl, 4 ′-(2-methylbutyl) biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid • 4-hexyloxyphenyl, 4′-octylbiphenyl-4 -Ferroelectric liquid crystal such as carboxylic acid 4- (2-methylbutyl) phenyl can be used.

光吸収層膜中の熱レンズ形成層の材料として固体の材料を用いる場合は、光散乱が小さく屈折率の温度依存性の大きな、非晶質の有機化合物が特に好適である。具体的には、前記マトリックス材料と同様に、種々の有機高分子材料の中から光学用樹脂として公知のものを選定して使用することができる。文献［技術情報協会編、「最新光学用樹脂の開発、特性と高精度部品の設計、成形技術」、技術情報協会(1993)、P.35］に記載されている光学用樹脂の屈折率の温度変化［単位：１／Ｋ］は、例えば、ポリ（メタクリル酸メチル）が１．２×１０-4、ポリカーボネートが１．４×１０-4、ポリスチレンが１．５×１０-4である。これらの樹脂を光吸収層膜中の熱レンズ形成層の材料として好適に使用することができる。 When a solid material is used as the material of the thermal lens forming layer in the light absorption layer film, an amorphous organic compound having a small light scattering and a large temperature dependency of the refractive index is particularly suitable. Specifically, similar to the matrix material, a known optical resin can be selected from various organic polymer materials and used. The refractive index of optical resins described in the literature [Technical Information Association, "Development of the latest optical resins, design of properties and high precision parts, molding technology", Technical Information Association (1993), p. 35] The temperature change [unit: 1 / K] is, for example, 1.2 × 10 −4 for poly (methyl methacrylate), 1.4 × 10 −4 for polycarbonate, and 1.5 × 10 −4 for polystyrene. These resins can be suitably used as a material for the thermal lens forming layer in the light absorption layer film.

前記有機溶剤の屈折率温度依存性は前記光学用樹脂の場合よりも大きいというメリットがある反面、制御光照射による温度上昇が有機溶剤の沸点に到達すると沸騰してしまうという問題がある（高沸点の溶剤を用いる場合は問題ない）。これに対して、揮発性不純物を徹底的に除去した光学用樹脂は、例えばポリカーボネートの場合、制御光照射による温度上昇が２５０℃を超えるような過酷な条件においても使用可能である。   While the refractive index temperature dependence of the organic solvent has a merit that it is greater than that of the optical resin, there is a problem that the organic solvent boils when the temperature rise due to the control light irradiation reaches the boiling point of the organic solvent (high boiling point). No problem when using other solvents). On the other hand, the optical resin from which volatile impurities have been thoroughly removed can be used even under severe conditions in which, for example, polycarbonate, the temperature rise due to control light irradiation exceeds 250 ° C.

［保温層膜］
保温層膜として気体を用いる場合は、空気の他、窒素、ヘリウム、ネオン、アルゴンなどの不活性ガスを好適に用いることができる。 [Heat insulation layer film]
When a gas is used as the heat insulating layer film, an inert gas such as nitrogen, helium, neon, or argon can be suitably used in addition to air.

保温層膜として液体を用いる場合は、熱伝導率が光吸収層膜と同等か光吸収層膜よりも小さい材質であって、かつ、制御光および信号光を透過し、光吸収層膜の材質を溶解または腐食しないものであれば、任意の液体を用いることができる。例えば、光吸収層膜がシアニン色素を含有したポリメタクリル酸メチルからなる場合、流動性パラフィンを用いることができる。   When a liquid is used as the heat insulating layer film, the material having the thermal conductivity equal to or smaller than that of the light absorbing layer film and transmitting control light and signal light, and the material of the light absorbing layer film As long as it does not dissolve or corrode, any liquid can be used. For example, when the light absorption layer film is made of polymethyl methacrylate containing a cyanine dye, fluid paraffin can be used.

保温層膜として固体を用いる場合は、熱伝導率が光吸収層膜（光吸収膜および熱レンズ形成層）と同等か光吸収層膜よりも小さい材質であって、かつ、制御光および信号光を透過し、光吸収層膜や伝熱層膜の材質と反応しないものであれば、任意の固体を用いることができる。例えば、光吸収層膜がシアニン色素を含有したポリメタクリル酸メチルからなる場合、色素を含まないポリメタクリル酸メチル［３００Ｋにおける熱伝導率０．１５Ｗｍ-1Ｋ-1］を保温層膜として用いることができる。 When a solid is used as the heat insulating layer film, the thermal conductivity is equal to or smaller than that of the light absorbing layer film (light absorbing film and thermal lens forming layer), and the control light and signal light are used. Any solid can be used as long as it does not react with the material of the light absorption layer film or heat transfer layer film. For example, when the light-absorbing layer film is made of polymethyl methacrylate containing a cyanine dye, polymethyl methacrylate [pigment-free polymethyl methacrylate [thermal conductivity at 300 K: 0.15 Wm −1 K −1 ]] is used as the heat insulating layer film. Can do.

［伝熱層膜の材料］
伝熱層膜としては、熱伝導率が光吸収層膜よりも大きい材質が好ましく、制御光および信号光を透過し、光吸収層膜や保温層膜の材質と反応しないものであれば、任意のものを用いることができる。熱伝導率が高く、かつ、可視光線の波長帯域における光吸収が小さい材質として、例えば、ダイアモンド［３００Ｋにおける熱伝導率９００Ｗｍ-1Ｋ-1］、サファイア［同４６Ｗｍ-1Ｋ-1］、石英単結晶［ｃ軸に平行方向で同１０．４Ｗｍ-1Ｋ-1］、石英ガラス［同１．３８Ｗｍ-1Ｋ-1］、硬質ガラス［同１．１０Ｗｍ-1Ｋ-1］などを伝熱層膜として好適に用いることができる。 [Material of heat transfer layer film]
As the heat transfer layer film, a material having higher thermal conductivity than the light absorption layer film is preferable, and any material can be used as long as it transmits control light and signal light and does not react with the material of the light absorption layer film or the heat insulation layer film. Can be used. Examples of materials having high thermal conductivity and low light absorption in the visible wavelength band include diamond [thermal conductivity at 300 K 900 Wm −1 K −1 ], sapphire [same 46 Wm −1 K −1 ], quartz Single crystal [same as 10.4 Wm −1 K −1 in the direction parallel to the c-axis], quartz glass [1.38 Wm −1 K −1 ], hard glass [1.10 Wm −1 K −1 ], etc. It can be suitably used as a thermal layer film.

［光透過層の材料］
本発明で用いられる熱レンズ形成素子は、図１１に示すように、前記制御光の収束手段としての屈折率分布型レンズが、光透過層を介して前記制御光の入射側に積層されて設けられていても良いが、光透過層の材質としては、固体の保温層膜および／または伝熱層膜の材質と同様のものを使用することができる。光透過層は、文字通り、前記制御光および信号光を効率良く透過させるだけでなく、屈折率分布型レンズを熱レンズ形成素子構成要素として接着するためのものである。いわゆる紫外線硬化型樹脂や電子線硬化型樹脂の内、前記制御光および信号光の波長帯域の光透過率の高いものを特に好適に用いることができる。 [Material of light transmission layer]
As shown in FIG. 11, the thermal lens forming element used in the present invention is provided with a refractive index distribution type lens as a converging means for the control light laminated on the incident side of the control light via a light transmission layer. As a material for the light transmission layer, the same material as that for the solid heat insulating layer film and / or the heat transfer layer film may be used. The light-transmitting layer literally transmits the control light and signal light efficiently, and also bonds the gradient index lens as a thermal lens forming element component. Among so-called ultraviolet curable resins and electron beam curable resins, those having a high light transmittance in the wavelength bands of the control light and the signal light can be particularly preferably used.

［熱レンズ形成素子の作成方法］
本発明で用いられる熱レンズ形成素子の作成方法は、熱レンズ形成素子の構成および使用する材料の種類に応じて任意に選定され、公知の方法を用いることができる。 [Method for creating thermal lens forming element]
The method for producing the thermal lens forming element used in the present invention is arbitrarily selected according to the configuration of the thermal lens forming element and the type of material used, and a known method can be used.

例えば、熱レンズ形成素子中の光吸収膜に用いられる光吸収性の材料が、前述のような単結晶の場合、単結晶の切削・研磨加工によって、光吸収膜を作成することができる。   For example, when the light absorbing material used for the light absorbing film in the thermal lens forming element is a single crystal as described above, the light absorbing film can be formed by cutting and polishing the single crystal.

例えば、色素を含有したマトリックス材料からなる光吸収膜、光学用樹脂からなる熱レンズ形成層、および光学ガラスを伝熱層膜として組み合わせて用いた「伝熱層膜／光吸収膜／熱レンズ形成層／光吸収膜／伝熱層膜」という構成の熱レンズ形成素子を作成する場合、以下に列挙するような方法によって、まず、伝熱層膜上に光吸収膜を作成することができる。   For example, “heat transfer layer film / light absorption film / thermal lens formation using a light absorbing film made of a matrix material containing a dye, a thermal lens forming layer made of an optical resin, and optical glass as a heat transfer layer film” When a thermal lens forming element having a configuration of “layer / light absorption film / heat transfer layer film” is formed, a light absorption film can be first formed on the heat transfer layer film by the following method.

色素およびマトリックス材料を溶解した溶液を、伝熱層膜として用いられるガラス板上に塗布法、ブレードコート法、ロールコート法、スピンコート法、ディッピング法、スプレー法などの塗工法で塗工するか、あるいは、平版、凸版、凹版、孔版、スクリーン、転写などの印刷法で印刷して光吸収膜を形成する方法を用いても良い。この場合、光吸収膜の形成にゾルゲル法による無機系マトリックス材料作成方法を利用することもできる。   Whether a solution in which a dye and a matrix material are dissolved is applied to a glass plate used as a heat transfer layer film by a coating method such as a coating method, a blade coating method, a roll coating method, a spin coating method, a dipping method, or a spray method. Alternatively, a method of forming a light-absorbing film by printing using a printing method such as a planographic plate, a relief plate, an intaglio plate, a stencil plate, a screen, or a transfer may be used. In this case, an inorganic matrix material preparation method by a sol-gel method can be used for forming the light absorption film.

電着法、電解重合法、ミセル電解法（特開昭６３−２４３２９８号公報）などの電気化学的成膜手法を用いることができる。   Electrochemical film formation methods such as electrodeposition, electropolymerization, and micelle electrolysis (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-243298) can be used.

更に、水の上に形成させた単分子膜を移し取るラングミア・ブロジェット法を用いることができる。   Furthermore, the Langmere-Blodgett method which transfers the monomolecular film formed on water can be used.

原料モノマーの重合ないし重縮合反応を利用する方法として、例えば、モノマーが液体の場合、キャスティング法、リアクション・インジェクション・モールド法、プラズマ重合法、および、光重合法などが挙げられる。   Examples of the method utilizing polymerization or polycondensation reaction of raw material monomers include casting method, reaction injection molding method, plasma polymerization method, and photopolymerization method when the monomer is liquid.

昇華転写法、蒸着法、真空蒸着法、イオンビーム法、スパッタリング法、プラズマ重合法、ＣＶＤ法、有機分子線蒸着法、などの方法を用いることもできる。   Sublimation transfer methods, vapor deposition methods, vacuum vapor deposition methods, ion beam methods, sputtering methods, plasma polymerization methods, CVD methods, organic molecular beam vapor deposition methods, and the like can also be used.

２成分以上の有機系光学材料を溶液または分散液状態で各成分毎に設けた噴霧ノズルから高真空容器内に噴霧して基板上に堆積させ、加熱処理することを特徴とする複合型光学薄膜の製造方法（特許公報第２５９９５６９号）を利用することもできる。   A composite optical thin film characterized in that an organic optical material having two or more components is sprayed into a high vacuum container from a spray nozzle provided for each component in a solution or dispersion state, deposited on a substrate, and heat-treated. The manufacturing method (Patent Publication No. 2599569) can also be used.

以上のような固体の光吸収膜の作成方法は、例えば、固体の有機高分子材料からなる保温層膜を作成する場合にも、好適に使用することができる。   The method for producing a solid light-absorbing film as described above can be suitably used when, for example, a heat insulating layer film made of a solid organic polymer material is produced.

次いで、熱可塑性の光学用樹脂を用いて熱レンズ形成層を作成する場合、真空ホットプレス法（特開平４−９９６０９号公報）を用いて「伝熱層膜／光吸収膜／熱レンズ形成層／光吸収膜／伝熱層膜」という構成の熱レンズ形成素子を作成することができる。すなわち、熱可塑性光学用樹脂の粉末またはシートを、上記の方法で表面に光吸収膜を形成した２枚の伝熱層膜（ガラス板）で挟み、高真空下、加熱・プレスすることによって、上記構成の積層型薄膜素子を作成することができる。   Next, when forming a thermal lens forming layer using a thermoplastic optical resin, a vacuum hot pressing method (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-99609) is used. A thermal lens forming element having a configuration of “/ light absorption film / heat transfer layer film” can be produced. That is, by sandwiching a thermoplastic optical resin powder or sheet between two heat transfer layer films (glass plates) having a light absorbing film formed on the surface by the above method, heating and pressing under high vacuum, A laminated thin film element having the above-described configuration can be produced.

［屈折率分布型レンズの材料と作成方法］
本発明で用いられる熱レンズ形成素子は、前記制御光の収束手段としての屈折率分布型レンズが、光透過層を介して前記制御光の入射側に積層されて設けられていても良いが、この屈折率分布型レンズの材料と作成方法としては、公知の、任意のものを使用することができる。 [Material and manufacturing method of gradient index lens]
The thermal lens forming element used in the present invention may be provided with a refractive index distribution type lens as the control light converging means laminated on the incident side of the control light via a light transmission layer, As the material and manufacturing method of the gradient index lens, known ones can be used.

例えば、モノマーの浸透・拡散現象を利用して、屈折率分布型の屈折率分布型レンズを有機高分子系材質で作成することができる［M.Oikawa,K.Iga,T.Sanada: Jpn.J.Appl.Phys,20(1),L51-L54(1981)］。すなわち、モノマー交換技術によって、屈折率分布レンズを平坦な基板上にモノリシックに作ることができ、例えば、低屈折率プラスチックとしてのメタクリル酸メチル（ｎ＝１．４９４）を、３．６ｍｍφの円形ディスクのマスクのまわりから、高屈折率をもつポリイソフタル酸ジアクリル（ｎ＝１．５７０）の平坦なプラスチック基板中へ拡散させる。   For example, a refractive index distribution type lens can be made of an organic polymer material by utilizing a monomer penetration / diffusion phenomenon [M. Oikawa, K. Iga, T. Sanada: Jpn. J. Appl. Phys, 20 (1), L51-L54 (1981)]. In other words, the refractive index distribution lens can be made monolithically on a flat substrate by the monomer exchange technique. For example, methyl methacrylate (n = 1.494) as a low refractive index plastic is used as a circular disk of 3.6 mmφ. Is diffused into a flat plastic substrate of polyisophthalic diacrylate (n = 1.570) having a high refractive index.

また、無機イオンの拡散現象を利用し、屈折率分布型の屈折率分布型レンズを無機ガラス系材質で作成することができる［M.Oikawa,K.Iga: Appl.Opt.,21(6),1052-1056(1982)］。すなわち、ガラス基板にマスクを付けてからフォトリソグラフィの手法により直径百μｍ前後の円形窓を設け、溶融塩に浸けてイオン交換により屈折率分布を形成させるに当たり、数時間に渡って電界を印加してイオン交換を促進させることによって、例えば、直径０．９ｍｍ、焦点距離２ｍｍ、開口数ＮＡ＝０．２３のレンズを形成させることができる。   In addition, by utilizing the diffusion phenomenon of inorganic ions, a refractive index distribution type refractive index distribution type lens can be made of an inorganic glass material [M. Oikawa, K. Iga: Appl. Opt., 21 (6) 1052-1056 (1982)]. That is, after applying a mask to a glass substrate, a circular window with a diameter of about 100 μm is provided by a photolithography method, and an electric field is applied for several hours to form a refractive index distribution by ion exchange by immersing in molten salt. By promoting ion exchange, a lens having a diameter of 0.9 mm, a focal length of 2 mm, and a numerical aperture NA = 0.23 can be formed, for example.

［光学セル］
色素溶液充填式熱レンズ形成素子で用いられる光学セルは、色素溶液を保持する機能、および色素溶液に実効的に形態を付与し、光吸収層膜兼熱レンズ形成層として作用させる機能を有し、更に、収束されて照射される信号光および制御光を受光して前記光応答性組成物へ前記信号光および前記制御光を伝搬させる機能、および前記光応答性組成物を透過した後、発散していく前記信号光を伝搬させて出射する機能を有するものである。 [Optical cell]
The optical cell used in the dye solution-filled thermal lens forming element has a function of holding the dye solution and a function of effectively giving the dye solution a form and acting as a light absorption layer film and a thermal lens forming layer. Further, the function of receiving the signal light and the control light that are converged and irradiated to propagate the signal light and the control light to the photoresponsive composition, and the light divergence after passing through the photoresponsive composition It has a function of propagating and emitting the signal light.

色素溶液充填式熱レンズ形成素子で用いられる光学セルの形態は外部形態と内部形態に大別される。   The form of the optical cell used in the dye solution-filled thermal lens forming element is roughly classified into an external form and an internal form.

光学セルの外部形態は、本発明の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置の構成に応じて、板状、直方体状、円柱状、半円柱状、四角柱状、三角柱状、などの形状のものが用いられる。   The external form of the optical cell has a shape such as a plate shape, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, a cylindrical shape, a semi-cylindrical shape, a quadrangular prism shape, a triangular prism shape, etc., according to the configuration of the optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission device Is used.

光学セルの内部形態とは、すなわち、色素溶液充填部の形態であり、色素溶液に、実効的に形態を付与するものである。本発明の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置の構成に応じて、光学セルの内部形態は、具体的には、例えば、薄膜、厚膜、板状、直方体状、円柱状、半円柱状、四角柱状、三角柱状、凸レンズ状、凹レンズ状、などの中から適宜選択することができる。   The internal form of the optical cell is a form of a dye solution filling portion, and effectively imparts a form to the dye solution. According to the configuration of the optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission device of the present invention, the internal form of the optical cell is specifically, for example, a thin film, a thick film, a plate shape, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, a cylindrical shape, a semi-cylindrical shape. , Square prism shape, triangular prism shape, convex lens shape, concave lens shape, and the like.

光学セルの構成および材質は、下記の要件を満たすものであれば任意のものを使用することができる。   Any configuration and material of the optical cell can be used as long as they satisfy the following requirements.

（１）上記のような外部形態および内部形態を、使用条件において精密に維持できること。 (1) The external form and the internal form as described above can be accurately maintained under use conditions.

（２）色素溶液に対して不活性であること。 (2) It is inert to the dye solution.

（３）色素溶液を構成する諸成分の放散・透過・浸透による組成変化を防止できること。 (3) It is possible to prevent composition changes due to diffusion, permeation, and penetration of various components constituting the dye solution.

（４）色素溶液が、酸素や水など使用環境に存在する気体あるいは液体と接触することによって劣化することを妨げることができること。 (4) The dye solution can be prevented from deteriorating due to contact with a gas or liquid existing in the use environment such as oxygen or water.

光学セルの材質としては、具体的には、色素溶液の種類によらずソーダガラス、ホウケイ酸ガラスなどの種々の光学ガラス、石英ガラス、サファイアなどを好適に使用することができる。また、色素溶液の溶剤が水やアルコール系である場合、ポリ（メタクリル酸メチル）、ポリスチレン、ポリカーボネートなどのプラスチックを用いることもできる。   Specifically, as the material of the optical cell, various optical glasses such as soda glass and borosilicate glass, quartz glass, sapphire and the like can be suitably used regardless of the type of the dye solution. In addition, when the solvent of the dye solution is water or alcohol, plastics such as poly (methyl methacrylate), polystyrene, and polycarbonate can be used.

なお、上記要件の内、色素溶液の組成変化や劣化を防止する機能は、熱レンズ形成素子としての設計寿命の範囲内に限り発揮できれば良い。   Of the above requirements, the function of preventing the composition change and deterioration of the dye solution only needs to be exhibited within the design life range of the thermal lens forming element.

本発明で用いられる他の光学要素、すなわち、集光レンズ、受光レンズ、波長選択透過フィルターなどを前記光学セルに組み込んだ一体構造の光学セルを用いることができる。   Other optical elements used in the present invention, that is, an optical cell having an integrated structure in which a condensing lens, a light receiving lens, a wavelength selective transmission filter, and the like are incorporated in the optical cell can be used.

［ビームウエスト直径の計算］
本発明の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置および光信号光路切替方法において熱レンズ効果を有効に利用するためには、焦点（集光点）近傍の光子密度が最も高い領域、すなわち「ビームウエスト」における前記信号光のビーム断面積が、ビームウエストにおける前記制御光のビーム断面積を超えないように前記信号光および前記制御光のビーム断面の形状および大きさをそれぞれ設定することが好ましい。 [Calculation of beam waist diameter]
In order to effectively use the thermal lens effect in the optically controlled optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus and optical signal optical path switching method of the present invention, a region having the highest photon density near the focal point (condensing point), that is, “beam” Preferably, the shape and size of the signal light and the control light beam cross sections are set so that the beam cross sectional area of the signal light at the waist does not exceed the beam cross sectional area of the control light at the beam waist.

以下、進行方向ビーム断面の電場の振幅分布、すなわち光束のエネルギー分布がガウス分布となっているガウスビームの場合について述べる。なお、以下の説明では、ビーム収束手段として集光レンズ（屈折率分布型レンズ）を用いる場合について説明するが、収束手段が凹面鏡や屈折率分散型レンズであっても同様である。   Hereinafter, the case of a Gaussian beam in which the amplitude distribution of the electric field in the cross section of the traveling direction beam, that is, the energy distribution of the luminous flux is a Gaussian distribution will be described. In the following description, a case where a condensing lens (refractive index distribution type lens) is used as the beam converging unit will be described. However, the same applies when the converging unit is a concave mirror or a refractive index dispersion type lens.

ガウスビームを、図１などの集光レンズ３１などで、開き角２θで収束させたときの焦点３０１近傍における光線束および波面３００の様子を図１４に示す。ここで、波長λのガウスビームの直径２ωが最小になる位置を「ビームウエスト」という。以下、ビームウエスト直径を２ω0で表すものとする。光の回折作用のため、２ω0はゼロにはならず、有限の値をもつ。なお、ビーム半径ωやω0の定義は、ガウスビームのビーム中心部分のエネルギーを基準として、エネルギーが１／ｅ2（ｅは自然対数の底）になる位置をビーム中心から測ったときの距離であり、ビーム直径は２ωまたは２ω0で表される。いうまでもなく、ビームウエストの中心において、光子密度は最も高い。 FIG. 14 shows the state of the light beam and the wavefront 300 in the vicinity of the focal point 301 when the Gaussian beam is converged at the opening angle 2θ by the condenser lens 31 shown in FIG. Here, the position where the diameter 2ω of the Gaussian beam having the wavelength λ is minimum is referred to as “beam waist”. Hereinafter, the beam waist diameter is represented by 2ω 0 . Due to the diffraction effect of light, 2ω 0 does not become zero but has a finite value. The definitions of the beam radii ω and ω 0 are the distances when the position where the energy becomes 1 / e 2 (e is the base of the natural logarithm) is measured from the beam center with reference to the energy of the beam center portion of the Gaussian beam. And the beam diameter is expressed as 2ω or 2ω 0 . Needless to say, the photon density is highest in the center of the beam waist.

ガウスビームの場合、ビームウエストから充分に遠方でのビーム拡がり角θは波長λおよびビームウエスト径ω0と、次の式〔４〕で関係付けられる。 In the case of a Gaussian beam, the beam divergence angle θ sufficiently far from the beam waist is related to the wavelength λ and the beam waist diameter ω 0 by the following equation [4].

（数１）
π・θ・ω0 ≒ λ …〔４〕
ここで、πは円周率である。 (Equation 1)
π ・ θ ・ ω 0 ≒ λ… [4]
Here, π is the circumference ratio.

「ビームウエストから充分に遠方」という条件を満たす場合に限りこの式を用いて、集光レンズに入射するビーム半径ω、集光レンズの開口数および焦点距離から、集光レンズで集光されたビームウエスト径ω0を計算することができる。 Only when the condition of “far enough from the beam waist” is satisfied, the light is collected by the condenser lens from the beam radius ω incident on the condenser lens, the numerical aperture of the condenser lens, and the focal length. The beam waist diameter ω 0 can be calculated.

更に一般的に、有効開口半径ａおよび開口数ＮＡの集光レンズで、ビーム半径ωの平行ガウスビーム（波長λ）を収束させた場合のビームウエスト直径２ω0は、次の式〔５〕で表すことができる。 More generally, the beam waist diameter 2ω 0 when a parallel Gaussian beam (wavelength λ) having a beam radius ω is converged with a condensing lens having an effective aperture radius a and a numerical aperture NA is expressed by the following equation [5]. Can be represented.

（数２）
２ω0 ≒ ｋ・λ／ＮＡ …〔５〕
ここで、係数ｋは代数的に解くことができないため、レンズ結像面での光強度分布についての数値解析計算を行うことによって決定することができる。 (Equation 2)
2ω 0 ≒ k · λ / NA [5]
Here, since the coefficient k cannot be solved algebraically, it can be determined by performing a numerical analysis calculation on the light intensity distribution on the lens imaging plane.

集光レンズに入射するビーム半径ωと集光レンズの有効開口半径ａの比率を変えて、数値解析計算を行うと、式〔５〕の係数ｋの値は以下のように求まる。   When numerical analysis calculation is performed by changing the ratio of the beam radius ω incident on the condenser lens and the effective aperture radius a of the condenser lens, the value of the coefficient k in the equation [5] is obtained as follows.

（数３）
ａ／ω ＝ １ のとき ｋ ≒ ０．９２
ａ／ω ＝ ２ のとき ｋ ≒ １．３
ａ／ω ＝ ３ のとき ｋ ≒ １．９
ａ／ω ＝ ４ のとき ｋ ≒ ３ (Equation 3)
When a / ω = 1, k≈0.92
When a / ω = 2, k≈1.3
When a / ω = 3, k≈1.9
When a / ω = 4, k≈3

すなわち、集光レンズの有効開口半径ａよりもビーム半径ωが小さければ小さい程、ビームウエスト径ω0は大きくなる。 That is, the smaller the beam radius ω is than the effective aperture radius a of the condenser lens, the larger the beam waist diameter ω 0 .

例えば、集光レンズとして開口数０．２５、有効開口半径約５ｍｍのレンズを用い、波長７８０ｎｍの信号光を収束したとき、集光レンズに入射するビーム半径ωが５ｍｍであればａ／ωは約１で、ビームウエストの半径ω0は１．４μｍ、ωが１．２５ｍｍであればａ／ωは約４でω0は４．７μｍと計算される。同様にして波長６３３ｎｍの制御光を収束したとき、ビーム半径ωが５ｍｍであればａ／ωは約１で、ビームウエストの半径ω0は１．２μｍ、ωが１．２５ｍｍであればａ／ωは約４でω0は３．８μｍと計算される。 For example, when a lens having a numerical aperture of 0.25 and an effective aperture radius of about 5 mm is used as a condensing lens and signal light having a wavelength of 780 nm is converged, if the beam radius ω incident on the condensing lens is 5 mm, a / ω is If the beam waist radius ω 0 is about 1 and 1.4 μm and ω is 1.25 mm, a / ω is about 4 and ω 0 is 4.7 μm. Similarly, when the control light having a wavelength of 633 nm is converged, if the beam radius ω is 5 mm, a / ω is about 1, the beam waist radius ω 0 is 1.2 μm, and if ω is 1.25 mm, a / ω is about 4 and ω 0 is calculated to be 3.8 μm.

この計算例から明らかなように、集光レンズの焦点近傍の光子密度が最も高い領域、すなわちビームウエストにおける光ビームの断面積を最小にするには、集光レンズに入射する光ビームの強度分布が平面波に近くなるまで、ビーム直径を拡大（ビームエキスパンド）すれば良い。また、集光レンズへ入射するビーム直径が同一の場合、光の波長が短い程、ビームウエスト径は小さくなることも判る。   As can be seen from this calculation example, in order to minimize the cross-sectional area of the light beam in the region where the photon density near the focal point of the condenser lens is the highest, that is, the beam waist, the intensity distribution of the light beam incident on the condenser lens The beam diameter may be expanded (beam expanding) until becomes close to a plane wave. It can also be seen that when the beam diameter incident on the condenser lens is the same, the shorter the wavelength of the light, the smaller the beam waist diameter.

前述のように、本発明の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置および光信号光路切替方法において熱レンズ効果を有効に利用するためには、ビームウエスト近傍の光子密度が最も高い領域における前記信号光のビーム断面積が、ビームウエストにおける前記制御光のビーム断面積を超えないように前記信号光および前記制御光のビーム断面の形状および大きさをそれぞれ設定することが好ましい。信号光および制御光ともにガウスビームを用いる場合であれば、以上の説明および計算式にしたがって、集光レンズなどの収束手段で収束する前の平行ビームの状態で、波長に応じて、信号光および制御光のビーム直径を、必要に応じてビームエキスパンドするなどして、調節することによって、ビームウエスト近傍の光子密度が最も高い領域における前記信号光のビーム断面積が、ビームウエストにおける前記制御光のビーム断面積を超えないようにすることができる。ビームエキスパンドの手段としては、公知のもの、例えば２枚の凸レンズからなるケプラー型の光学系を用いることができる。   As described above, in order to effectively use the thermal lens effect in the optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus and optical signal optical path switching method of the present invention, the signal in the region where the photon density near the beam waist is the highest is used. It is preferable that the shape and size of the beam cross sections of the signal light and the control light are set so that the beam cross sectional area of the light does not exceed the beam cross sectional area of the control light at the beam waist. If a Gaussian beam is used for both the signal light and the control light, in accordance with the above description and calculation formula, the signal light and the state of the parallel beam before being converged by the converging means such as a condenser lens, according to the wavelength. The beam cross-sectional area of the signal light in the region where the photon density in the vicinity of the beam waist is the highest is adjusted by adjusting the beam diameter of the control light, for example, by expanding the beam, if necessary. It is possible not to exceed the beam cross-sectional area. As a means for beam expansion, a publicly known one, for example, a Kepler type optical system composed of two convex lenses can be used.

［共焦点距離Ｚｃの計算］
一般に、ガウスビームの場合、凸レンズなどの収束手段で収束された光束のビームウエスト近傍、すなわち、焦点を挟んで共焦点距離Ｚｃの区間においては、収束ビームはほぼ平行光と見なすことができ、共焦点距離Ｚｃは、円周率π、ビームウエスト半径ω0および波長λを用いた式〔６〕で表すことができる。 [Calculation of confocal distance Zc]
In general, in the case of a Gaussian beam, the convergent beam can be regarded as almost parallel light in the vicinity of the beam waist of the light beam converged by a converging means such as a convex lens, that is, in the section of the confocal distance Zc across the focal point. The focal length Zc can be expressed by the equation [6] using the circumference ratio π, the beam waist radius ω 0, and the wavelength λ.

（数４）
Ｚｃ ＝ πω0 2／λ …〔６〕
式〔６〕のω0に式〔５〕を代入すると、式〔７〕が得られる。 (Equation 4)
Zc = πω 0 2 / λ (6)
Substituting equation [5] into ω 0 in equation [6] yields equation [7].

（数５）
Ｚｃ ≒ π（ｋ／ＮＡ）2λ／４ …〔７〕 (Equation 5)
Zc≈π (k / NA) 2 λ / 4 (7)

例えば、集光レンズとして開口数０．２５、有効開口半径約５ｍｍのレンズを用い、波長７８０ｎｍの信号光を収束したとき、集光レンズに入射するビーム半径ωが５ｍｍであればａ／ωは約１で、ビームウエストの半径ω0は１．４μｍ、共焦点距離Ｚｃは８．３μｍ、ωが１．２５ｍｍであればａ／ωは約４でω0は４．７μｍ、共焦点距離Ｚｃは８８μｍと計算される。同様にして波長６３３ｎｍの制御光を収束したとき、ビーム半径ωが５ｍｍであればａ／ωは約１で、ビームウエストの半径ω0は１．２μｍ、共焦点距離Ｚｃは６．７μｍ、ωが１．２５ｍｍであればａ／ωは約４でω0は３．８μｍ、共焦点距離Ｚｃは７１μｍと計算される。 For example, when a lens having a numerical aperture of 0.25 and an effective aperture radius of about 5 mm is used as a condensing lens and signal light having a wavelength of 780 nm is converged, if the beam radius ω incident on the condensing lens is 5 mm, a / ω is If the beam waist radius ω 0 is 1.4 μm, the confocal distance Zc is 8.3 μm, and ω is 1.25 mm, a / ω is about 4, ω 0 is 4.7 μm, and the confocal distance Zc. Is calculated to be 88 μm. Similarly, when the control light having a wavelength of 633 nm is converged, if the beam radius ω is 5 mm, a / ω is about 1, the beam waist radius ω 0 is 1.2 μm, the confocal distance Zc is 6.7 μm, ω Is 1.25 mm, a / ω is about 4, ω 0 is calculated to be 3.8 μm, and the confocal distance Zc is calculated to be 71 μm.

［集光レンズおよび受光レンズの開口数］
本発明の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置および光信号光路切替方法においては、信号光および制御光を同軸で集光レンズによって収束させて熱レンズ形成素子中に焦点を結ぶように照射しているが、熱レンズ形成素子から通常よりも大きい開き角度で出射する光を受光レンズで受光して平行光にコリメートする場合、この受光レンズの開口数（以下、ＮＡと呼ぶ。）は、集光レンズのＮＡよりも大きくなるよう設定することが推奨される。更に受光レンズのＮＡは、集光レンズのＮＡの２倍以上が好ましい。ただし、集光レンズに入射するビーム半径ωよりも集光レンズの有効開口半径ａが大きい（すなわちａ／ω＞１）の場合は、集光レンズの実質的開口数は集光レンズの開口数よりも小さい。よって、受光レンズの開口数は、集光レンズ開口数ではなく集光レンズの実質的開口数よりも大きく、２倍以上に設定することが好ましい。受光レンズのＮＡを、集光レンズのＮＡの２倍以上とすることによって、信号光のビーム直径が熱レンズ形成素子へ入射する際の２倍以上まで拡大されても、損失なしに受光することが可能となる。 [Numerical aperture of condensing lens and light receiving lens]
In the optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus and optical signal optical path switching method of the present invention, the signal light and the control light are coaxially converged by the condenser lens and irradiated so as to focus on the thermal lens forming element. However, when light emitted from the thermal lens forming element at an opening angle larger than usual is received by the light receiving lens and collimated into parallel light, the numerical aperture (hereinafter referred to as NA) of the light receiving lens is collected. It is recommended to set it to be larger than the NA of the optical lens. Further, the NA of the light receiving lens is preferably at least twice that of the condenser lens. However, when the effective aperture radius a of the condenser lens is larger than the beam radius ω incident on the condenser lens (that is, a / ω> 1), the substantial numerical aperture of the condenser lens is the numerical aperture of the condenser lens. Smaller than. Therefore, it is preferable that the numerical aperture of the light receiving lens is larger than the substantial numerical aperture of the condensing lens, not the condensing lens numerical aperture, and is set to be twice or more. By making the NA of the light receiving lens more than twice the NA of the condenser lens, even if the beam diameter of the signal light is expanded to more than twice that when entering the thermal lens forming element, light is received without loss. Is possible.

［光吸収層膜の最適膜厚］
光吸収層膜を構成する１または２枚の光吸収膜の厚さを変えず、熱レンズ形成層の厚さを変えて試料を作製し、光学濃度一定で膜厚の異なる複数の熱レンズ形成素子について実験した結果、上記のようにして計算される共焦点距離Ｚｃの２倍を光吸収層膜の膜厚の上限としたとき、熱レンズ効果の光応答速度が充分高速になることが判った。 [Optimal film thickness of light absorption layer]
Samples are manufactured by changing the thickness of the thermal lens forming layer without changing the thickness of one or two light absorbing films constituting the light absorbing layer film, and a plurality of thermal lenses having different optical thicknesses with a constant optical density are formed. As a result of experiments on the element, it was found that the light response speed of the thermal lens effect is sufficiently high when the double of the confocal distance Zc calculated as described above is set as the upper limit of the thickness of the light absorption layer film. It was.

光吸収層膜の膜厚の下限については、熱レンズ効果が発揮できる限りにおいて、薄ければ薄いほど好ましい。   About the minimum of the film thickness of a light absorption layer film, as long as the thermal lens effect can be exhibited, it is so preferable that it is thin.

［保温層膜の膜厚］
保温層膜の膜厚には、光応答の大きさおよび／または速度を最大にするような最適値（下限値および上限値）が存在する。その値は熱レンズ形成素子の構成、光吸収層膜の材質および厚さ、保温層膜の材質、伝熱層膜の材質および厚さなどに応じて、実験的に決定することができる。例えば、伝熱層膜として通常のホウケイ酸ガラス、保温層膜および熱レンズ形成層の材質としてポリカーボネート、光吸収膜としてプラチナフタロシアニンの蒸着膜を用い、ガラス（伝熱層膜、膜厚１５０μｍ）／ポリカーボネート樹脂層（保温層）／プラチナフタロシアニン蒸着膜（光吸収膜、膜厚０．２μｍ）／ポリカーボネート樹脂層（熱レンズ形成層、膜厚２０μｍ）／プラチナフタロシアニン蒸着膜（光吸収膜、膜厚０．２μｍ）／ポリカーボネート樹脂層（保温層）／ガラス（伝熱層膜、膜厚１５０μｍ）という構成の熱レンズ形成素子を作成した場合、保温層膜の膜厚は好ましくは５ｎｍから５μｍであり、更に好ましくは５０ｎｍから５００ｎｍである。 [Thickness of heat insulation layer film]
There is an optimum value (lower limit value and upper limit value) that maximizes the magnitude and / or speed of the optical response in the film thickness of the heat insulating layer film. The value can be experimentally determined according to the configuration of the thermal lens forming element, the material and thickness of the light absorption layer film, the material of the heat retaining layer film, the material and thickness of the heat transfer layer film, and the like. For example, an ordinary borosilicate glass is used as the heat transfer layer film, polycarbonate is used as the material for the heat insulation layer film and the thermal lens formation layer, and a platinum phthalocyanine vapor deposition film is used as the light absorption film, and glass (heat transfer layer film, film thickness 150 μm) / Polycarbonate resin layer (thermal insulation layer) / platinum phthalocyanine vapor deposition film (light absorption film, film thickness 0.2 μm) / Polycarbonate resin layer (thermal lens formation layer, film thickness 20 μm) / platinum phthalocyanine vapor deposition film (light absorption film, film thickness 0) .2 μm) / polycarbonate resin layer (heat-retaining layer) / glass (heat transfer layer film, film thickness 150 μm), the thermal-lens forming element has a thickness of preferably 5 nm to 5 μm. More preferably, it is 50 nm to 500 nm.

［伝熱層膜の膜厚］
伝熱層膜の膜厚にも、光応答の大きさおよび／または速度を最大にするような最適値（この場合は下限値）が存在する。その値は熱レンズ形成素子の構成、光吸収層膜の材質および厚さ、保温層の材質および厚さ、伝熱層膜の材質などに応じて、実験的に決定することができる。例えば、伝熱層膜として通常のホウケイ酸ガラス、保温層膜および熱レンズ形成層の材質としてポリカーボネート、光吸収膜としてプラチナフタロシアニンの蒸着膜を用い、ガラス（伝熱層膜、膜厚１５０μｍ）／ポリカーボネート樹脂層（保温層）／プラチナフタロシアニン蒸着膜（光吸収膜、膜厚０．２μｍ）／ポリカーボネート樹脂層（熱レンズ形成層、膜厚２０μｍ）／プラチナフタロシアニン蒸着膜（光吸収膜、膜厚０．２μｍ）／ポリカーボネート樹脂層（保温層）／ガラス（伝熱層膜、膜厚１５０μｍ）という構成の熱レンズ形成素子を作成した場合、伝熱層膜の厚さの下限は、好ましくは１０μｍ、更に好ましくは１００μｍである。なお、伝熱層膜の膜厚の上限については光応答の大きさおよび／または速度からの制約はないが、用いられる集光レンズおよび受光レンズの方式、焦点距離および作動距離（ワーキングディスタンス）と整合させて設計する必要がある。 [Film thickness of heat transfer layer film]
The film thickness of the heat transfer layer film also has an optimum value (in this case, a lower limit value) that maximizes the magnitude and / or speed of the optical response. The value can be experimentally determined according to the configuration of the thermal lens forming element, the material and thickness of the light absorption layer film, the material and thickness of the heat retaining layer, the material of the heat transfer layer film, and the like. For example, an ordinary borosilicate glass is used as the heat transfer layer film, polycarbonate is used as the material for the heat insulation layer film and the thermal lens formation layer, and a platinum phthalocyanine vapor deposition film is used as the light absorption film, and glass (heat transfer layer film, film thickness 150 μm) / Polycarbonate resin layer (thermal insulation layer) / platinum phthalocyanine vapor deposition film (light absorption film, film thickness 0.2 μm) / Polycarbonate resin layer (thermal lens formation layer, film thickness 20 μm) / platinum phthalocyanine vapor deposition film (light absorption film, film thickness 0) .2 μm) / polycarbonate resin layer (thermal insulation layer) / glass (heat transfer layer film, film thickness 150 μm), the lower limit of the thickness of the heat transfer layer film is preferably 10 μm. More preferably, it is 100 micrometers. The upper limit of the thickness of the heat transfer layer film is not limited by the magnitude and / or speed of the optical response, but the type of condensing lens and light receiving lens used, the focal length, and the working distance (working distance) It is necessary to design in conformity.

以下、本発明の実施形態について、実施例を参照しながら詳細に説明する。   Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples.

［実施例１］
図１ａには、実施例１の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置の概略構成が示されている。図１ａの光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置は、１つの信号光光源２０と、信号光１２０とは波長が異なる、３つの互いに波長の異なる制御光光源２１，２２，２３と、信号光１２０と３つの制御光１２１，１２２，１２３の全ての光軸を揃えて同軸で同方向に伝搬させるためのダイクロイックミラー５１，５２，５３と、信号光１２０と３つの制御光１２１，１２２，１２３を合わせて、光ファイバー１００へ入射させるための集光レンズ１０と、信号光１２０および３つの制御光１２１，１２２，１２３を合わせて伝送する光ファイバー１００と、光ファイバー１００から出射する信号光１２０および３つの制御光１２１，１２２，１２３を実質的に平行ビームに戻すためのコリメートレンズ３０と、「熱レンズ入射光集光レンズ（３１，３２，３３）、熱レンズ形成素子（１，２，３）、熱レンズ出射光受光レンズ（４１，４２，４３）、波長選択透過フィルター（８１，８２，８３）および穴付ミラー（６１，６２，６３）」からなる光路切替機構９１，９２，９３を３段直列に連結した場合を例示したものである。光路切替機構９１および９２から出射する直進信号光１１１および１１２は、空間的に結合されて、各々後段の光路切替機構９２および９３の熱レンズ入射光集光レンズ３２および３３へ入射し、３段目の光路切替機構９３から出射する直進信号光１１３は直進出射信号光の集光レンズ４０１によって集光され、直進出射信号光の光ファイバー１０１へ入射する。また、光路切替機構９１，９２，９３から光路が切替られて出射する信号光２１１，２１２，２１３は、各々光路切替後の出射信号光集光レンズ７１，７２，７３によって集光され、光路切替後の出射信号光光ファイバー１１，１２，１３へ入射する。光ファイバー１１，１２，１３，１００，１０１として、通常の単一モード石英光ファイバー（長さ１０ないし１００ｍ）を用いた。単一モード石英光ファイバーの代わりにマルチモード石英光ファイバー、ＳＩ型プラスチック光ファイバー、ＧＩ型プラスチック光ファイバーなどを、制御光および信号光の透過率／伝送距離特性に応じて選択し、使用することができる。 [Example 1]
FIG. 1a shows a schematic configuration of the optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus according to the first embodiment. The optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission device of FIG. 1a includes one signal light source 20, three control light sources 21, 22, 23 having different wavelengths from the signal light 120, and signal light. 120 and three dichroic mirrors 51, 52, and 53 for aligning the optical axes of the three control lights 121, 122, and 123 and propagating them in the same direction in the same direction, the signal light 120, and the three control lights 121, 122, and 123 , And the converging lens 10 for entering the optical fiber 100, the optical fiber 100 that transmits the signal light 120 and the three control lights 121, 122, and 123 together, and the signal light 120 emitted from the optical fiber 100 and the three light beams A collimating lens 30 for returning the control light 121, 122, 123 to a substantially parallel beam; 32, 33), thermal lens forming elements (1, 2, 3), thermal lens emission light receiving lenses (41, 42, 43), wavelength selective transmission filters (81, 82, 83), and mirrors with holes (61, 62). , 63) ”is illustrated as an example in which three stages of optical path switching mechanisms 91, 92, 93 are connected in series. The straight-ahead signal lights 111 and 112 emitted from the optical path switching mechanisms 91 and 92 are spatially coupled and enter the thermal lens incident light collecting lenses 32 and 33 of the optical path switching mechanisms 92 and 93 at the subsequent stages, respectively. The rectilinear signal light 113 emitted from the optical path switching mechanism 93 of the eye is collected by the condensing lens 401 of the rectilinear outgoing signal light and enters the optical fiber 101 of the rectilinear outgoing signal light. Further, the signal lights 211, 212, and 213 emitted from the optical path switching mechanisms 91, 92, and 93 after being switched are condensed by the outgoing signal light condensing lenses 71, 72, and 73 after the optical path switching, respectively. The light is incident on the subsequent outgoing signal optical fibers 11, 12, and 13. As the optical fibers 11, 12, 13, 100 and 101, ordinary single mode quartz optical fibers (length 10 to 100 m) were used. Instead of the single mode quartz optical fiber, a multimode quartz optical fiber, SI type plastic optical fiber, GI type plastic optical fiber or the like can be selected and used according to the transmittance / transmission distance characteristics of control light and signal light.

光路切替機構の連結数は、互いに波長の異なる信号光光源の数に対応する。ただし、光路切替機構１段当たりの信号光の透過率、光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置に入射する信号光の初期強度、および、最終的に必要な信号光強度から連結可能な段数が計算される。例えば、光路切替機構１段当たりの透過率が８５％（信号強度として０．７ｄＢ減衰）であれば、４段直列連結の場合の総合透過率は５２．２％（同２．８ｄＢ減衰）となる。   The number of connections of the optical path switching mechanism corresponds to the number of signal light sources having different wavelengths. However, the number of stages that can be connected based on the transmittance of the signal light per stage of the optical path switching mechanism, the initial intensity of the signal light incident on the optically controlled optical path switching type optical signal transmission device, and the finally required signal light intensity. Calculated. For example, if the transmittance per stage of the optical path switching mechanism is 85% (0.7 dB attenuation as signal intensity), the total transmittance in the case of 4-stage series connection is 52.2% (2.8 dB attenuation). Become.

以下、図１ａに示す３段直列構成を例にして、詳細に説明する。なお、図１ａにおける集光レンズ３１および熱レンズ形成素子１の部分を抜き出した部分図を図７および図８に、更に受光レンズ４１および穴付ミラー６１などを加えた部分図を図９および図１０に示す。また、光路切替機構を３個以上設けた装置の構成図が複雑になることを避けるため、図１ａに示すように光路切替機構９１，９２，９３を空間結合型で連結させる場合、空間結合型の光路切替機構の概略構成図（図２ａの左図）を一部記号化して、図２ａの右図のように表示することとする。すなわち、例えば、図１ａの光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置は図１ｂのように一部記号化された概略構成図で表示される。図１ａと図１ｂは表記方法が異なる以外は同一内容の概略構成図であることから、以下、図１ａと図１ｂを区別する必要がない場合、単に「図１」と呼ぶこととする。   Hereinafter, the three-stage series configuration shown in FIG. 7a and 8 are partial views of the condenser lens 31 and the thermal lens forming element 1 extracted from FIG. 1a, and FIG. 9 and FIG. 9 are partial views in which a light receiving lens 41 and a mirror 61 with a hole are further added. 10 shows. Further, in order to avoid a complicated configuration diagram of an apparatus provided with three or more optical path switching mechanisms, when the optical path switching mechanisms 91, 92, 93 are coupled in a spatial coupling type as shown in FIG. The schematic diagram of the optical path switching mechanism (left figure in FIG. 2a) is partially symbolized and displayed as shown in the right figure in FIG. 2a. That is, for example, the optically controlled optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus of FIG. 1a is displayed in a schematic configuration diagram partially symbolized as shown in FIG. 1b. Since FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b are schematic configuration diagrams having the same contents except for the notation method, hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b, they will be simply referred to as “FIG. 1”.

また、２つ以上の光路切替機構を光ファイバー結合型で連結させることもできるが、この場合、光ファイバー結合型の光路切替機構の概略構成図を省略して、図３のように表示することとする。   Two or more optical path switching mechanisms can be connected by an optical fiber coupling type. In this case, the schematic configuration diagram of the optical path coupling type optical path switching mechanism is omitted, and the optical path switching mechanism is displayed as shown in FIG. .

なお、図１ａないし図３、および図７ないし図１０において、熱レンズ形成素子１を「伝熱層膜５０１／光吸収層膜５０３／伝熱層膜５０２」という３層構造として図示するが、これに限定されない。   In FIGS. 1a to 3 and FIGS. 7 to 10, the thermal lens forming element 1 is illustrated as a three-layer structure of “heat transfer layer film 501 / light absorption layer film 503 / heat transfer layer film 502”. It is not limited to this.

本実施例では、熱レンズ形成素子１，２および３として、各々前述の色素〔１〕、〔２〕および〔３〕の溶液を充填した色素溶液充填式熱レンズ形成素子８００（図２１）を用いた。前記色素を溶解させる溶剤としては徹底的に脱水および脱気したo-ジクロロベンゼンを用いた。光学セル８０９は熱レンズ形成素子１，２および３について同一形状のものを用い、その色素溶液充填部８０８の厚さ、すなわち、入射・出射面ガラス８０１と８０２の内部における間隔は例えば２００μｍとした。光学セル８０９の入射・出射面ガラス８０１と８０２の外面にはＡＲコートを施した。また、光学セル８０９の導入口８０７は、色素溶液の充填および脱気処理を行った後、溶融・封印した。色素溶液の濃度は０．２ないし２重量％の間で調節し、色素〔１〕、〔２〕および〔３〕について、各々５３２ｎｍ、６７０ｎｍおよび８００ｎｍの透過率が０．０ないし０．２％、信号光８５０ｎｍの透過率が８５ないし９９％になるよう調整した。   In this embodiment, as the thermal lens forming elements 1, 2 and 3, a dye solution-filled thermal lens forming element 800 (FIG. 21) filled with the solutions of the aforementioned dyes [1], [2] and [3], respectively. Using. As a solvent for dissolving the dye, o-dichlorobenzene which was thoroughly dehydrated and degassed was used. The optical cell 809 has the same shape for the thermal lens forming elements 1, 2 and 3, and the thickness of the dye solution filling portion 808, that is, the distance between the entrance and exit surface glasses 801 and 802 is set to 200 μm, for example. . AR coating was applied to the outer surfaces of the entrance and exit surface glasses 801 and 802 of the optical cell 809. The inlet 807 of the optical cell 809 was melted and sealed after filling with a dye solution and performing a deaeration process. The concentration of the dye solution is adjusted between 0.2 and 2% by weight, and the transmittances of 532 nm, 670 nm and 800 nm are 0.0 to 0.2% for the dyes [1], [2] and [3], respectively. The transmittance of the signal light 850 nm was adjusted to 85 to 99%.

本実施例では、光ファイバー１００からの入射信号光１１０をコリメートレンズ３０でビーム半径５．０ｍｍのほぼ平行光線になるようにしている。   In this embodiment, the incident signal light 110 from the optical fiber 100 is made to be a substantially parallel light beam having a beam radius of 5.0 mm by the collimator lens 30.

本実施例では、信号光１２０の光源２０として、例えば、２．５ＧＨｚで変調可能な発振波長８５０ｎｍの面発光型半導体レーザーを用いているが、発振波長１３５０ｎｍ、１５５０ｎｍの超高速変調可能な半導体レーザー光を用いても良い。また、これら複数の波長の信号光を同時に用いても良い。本実施例では、熱レンズ形成素子１，２および３に各々熱レンズを形成させるための制御光１２１，１２２および１２３を照射する制御光光源２１，２２および２３として、各々、発振波長５３２ｎｍの半導体励起Ｎｄ：ＹＡＧレーザーの２次高調波、６７０ｎｍおよび８００ｎｍの半導体レーザーを用い、制御光の断続によって信号光光路の切替を行っている。制御光１２１，１２２および１２３は、いずれもビーム半径４．５ｍｍの平行光線になるように、ビーム成形して用いている。制御光光源のレーザーパワーは、集光レンズ３１，３２または３３のいずれの手前においても２ないし１０ｍＷとしている。   In this embodiment, as the light source 20 of the signal light 120, for example, a surface-emitting semiconductor laser having an oscillation wavelength of 850 nm that can be modulated at 2.5 GHz is used, but an ultrafast modulation semiconductor laser having oscillation wavelengths of 1350 nm and 1550 nm is used. Light may be used. Moreover, you may use the signal light of these several wavelengths simultaneously. In this embodiment, as the control light sources 21, 22, and 23 for irradiating the control lenses 121, 122, and 123 for forming the thermal lenses on the thermal lens forming elements 1, 2, and 3, respectively, semiconductors having an oscillation wavelength of 532 nm are used. The second harmonic of the pumped Nd: YAG laser, 670 nm and 800 nm semiconductor lasers are used, and the optical path of the signal light is switched by intermittent control light. The control lights 121, 122 and 123 are used after being shaped so as to be parallel rays having a beam radius of 4.5 mm. The laser power of the control light source is 2 to 10 mW before any of the condenser lenses 31, 32, or 33.

制御光１２１，１２２および１２３、および、信号光１１０，１１１および１１２を共通の集光レンズ３１，３２および３３で各々収束させて熱レンズ形成素子１，２および３へそれぞれ照射している。制御光および信号光の各々のビームウエストが、熱レンズ形成素子中において互いに重なり合うように、光ファイバー１００へ入射させる前に、信号光と制御光をダイクロイックミラー５１，５２および５３を用いて同一光軸、かつ、信号光と制御光が互いに平行になるように調整している。このようにすることによって、制御光ビームウエスト位置における光吸収によって形成された熱レンズ効果を、効率良く信号光の進行方向変更に利用することが可能になる。   The control light 121, 122 and 123 and the signal light 110, 111 and 112 are converged by the common condenser lenses 31, 32 and 33, respectively, and irradiated to the thermal lens forming elements 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Before making the beam waists of the control light and the signal light overlap with each other in the thermal lens forming element, the signal light and the control light are made to have the same optical axis by using the dichroic mirrors 51, 52, and 53 before entering the optical fiber 100. In addition, the signal light and the control light are adjusted to be parallel to each other. By doing so, the thermal lens effect formed by the light absorption at the control light beam waist position can be efficiently used for changing the traveling direction of the signal light.

前記信号光および３つの制御光はいずれも、ビーム断面の光強度分布がガウス分布であるものを用いた。このようなレーザー光をレンズで集光すると、ビームウエスト（集光点；焦点）での光強度分布は、ガウス分布となる。光吸収膜で吸収される波長帯域のレーザー光を制御光として、前記光吸収膜を含む熱レンズ形成素子に集光レンズを通して照射し、熱レンズ形成層を含む光吸収層膜中で収束させると、光吸収膜がレーザー光を吸収して熱レンズ形成層の温度が上昇し、その結果、屈折率が下がる。上記のようにガウス分布となった光を照射すると、光強度の強いガウス分布の中心部分が収束され、照射されたところが「光吸収の中心」となり、その部分の温度が最も高く、かつ、屈折率が一番小さくなる。光吸収の中心部分から外周へ向けての光吸収が熱に変わり、更に周囲に伝搬される熱により熱レンズ形成層を含む光吸収層膜の屈折率が光吸収中心から外部へ向けて球状に変化して光吸収中心の屈折率が低く外部へ向けて屈折率が高くなる分布を生じ、これが凹レンズのように機能する。すなわち、光は、屈折率の大きいところよりも小さいところで、速度が大きく、したがって、光強度の強いガウス分布の中心部分が照射されたところを光が通過するときの光速は、光強度の弱いガウス分布の周辺部分が照射されたところを光が通過するときの光速よりも大きい。よって光は、光強度の弱いガウス分布の周辺部分が照射された方向に曲がる。これは、局部的には、大気中での凹レンズと同じ動作である。実際には、制御光は集光レンズ３１などによって集光されて熱レンズ形成層を含む光吸収層膜中に照射され、光吸収が収束光の進行方向に多重に起こり、多重に形成された熱レンズによって、進行する制御光自身の光束も変形されるため、観測される熱レンズ効果は、後述のように単一の凹レンズによるものとは異なる。   As the signal light and the three control lights, those in which the light intensity distribution in the beam cross section has a Gaussian distribution were used. When such laser light is condensed by a lens, the light intensity distribution at the beam waist (condensing point: focal point) becomes a Gaussian distribution. When the laser light in the wavelength band absorbed by the light absorption film is used as control light, the thermal lens forming element including the light absorption film is irradiated through the condenser lens and converged in the light absorption layer film including the thermal lens formation layer. The light absorbing film absorbs the laser light and the temperature of the thermal lens forming layer increases, and as a result, the refractive index decreases. When irradiating light with a Gaussian distribution as described above, the central part of the Gaussian distribution with strong light intensity is converged, and the irradiated part becomes the `` center of light absorption '', the temperature of that part is the highest, and it is refracted The rate is the smallest. The light absorption from the central part of the light absorption to the outer periphery is changed to heat, and the refractive index of the light absorption layer film including the thermal lens forming layer is spherical from the light absorption center to the outside by the heat propagated to the surroundings. The distribution changes to produce a distribution in which the refractive index of the light absorption center is low and the refractive index increases toward the outside, and this functions like a concave lens. That is, the light has a higher speed at a smaller refractive index than at a higher refractive index. Therefore, the speed of light when the light passes through the central portion of the Gaussian distribution with a higher light intensity is less than the Gaussian with a lower light intensity. It is larger than the speed of light when the light passes through the area around the distribution. Therefore, the light bends in the direction in which the peripheral portion of the Gaussian distribution with low light intensity is irradiated. This is locally the same operation as a concave lens in the atmosphere. Actually, the control light is condensed by the condensing lens 31 or the like and irradiated into the light absorbing layer film including the thermal lens forming layer, and light absorption occurs in multiple directions in the traveling direction of the convergent light, and is formed in multiple numbers. Since the luminous flux of the traveling control light itself is also deformed by the thermal lens, the observed thermal lens effect is different from that due to a single concave lens as will be described later.

本実施例では、熱レンズ形成素子１，２および３を通過した信号光を受光レンズ４１，４２および４３でほぼ平行光にコリメートしている。この受光レンズの開口数（以下、「ＮＡ」と呼ぶ。）は、集光レンズのＮＡよりも大きくなるよう設定している。本実施例では、集光レンズのＮＡは０．２５、受光レンズのＮＡは０．５５を用いている。受光レンズのＮＡは、集光レンズのＮＡの２倍以上が好ましい。この関係が満足されれば、集光レンズとコリメートレンズのＮＡの組み合わせは、この実施例に限らない。受光レンズのＮＡを、集光レンズのＮＡの２倍以上とすることによって、信号光のビーム直径が熱レンズ形成素子へ入射する際の２倍以上まで拡大されても、損失なしに受光することが可能となる。なお、本実施例では集光レンズと受光レンズの焦点距離は同一とし、集光レンズの有効直径は約１０ｍｍのものを用いた。   In this embodiment, the signal light that has passed through the thermal lens forming elements 1, 2, and 3 is collimated into substantially parallel light by the light receiving lenses 41, 42, and 43. The numerical aperture (hereinafter referred to as “NA”) of the light receiving lens is set to be larger than the NA of the condenser lens. In this embodiment, the NA of the condenser lens is 0.25, and the NA of the light receiving lens is 0.55. The NA of the light receiving lens is preferably at least twice that of the condenser lens. If this relationship is satisfied, the combination of NA of the condensing lens and the collimating lens is not limited to this embodiment. By making the NA of the light receiving lens more than twice the NA of the condenser lens, even if the beam diameter of the signal light is expanded to more than twice that when entering the thermal lens forming element, light is received without loss. Is possible. In this embodiment, the focal lengths of the condenser lens and the light receiving lens are the same, and the effective diameter of the condenser lens is about 10 mm.

受光レンズ４１，４２および４３でコリメートした信号光を穴付ミラー６１，６２および６３に入射させている。後に詳細に説明するように、この穴付ミラーを設けることで信号光の光路を切り替えることが可能となる。   The signal light collimated by the light receiving lenses 41, 42 and 43 is made incident on the mirrors 61, 62 and 63 with holes. As will be described in detail later, the optical path of the signal light can be switched by providing this mirror with a hole.

光吸収層膜の吸収帯域にある波長の制御光と透過帯域の波長である信号光とを、図７（ａ）に示すように熱レンズ形成素子１の光吸収層膜の入射面に近い位置５において焦点を結ぶように同時に照射すると、図８（ａ）に示すように制御光により入射面に近い位置に形成された熱レンズ５０により、信号光は断面がリング状に拡がるように拡散された出射光２０１として通常の出射光２００よりも大きい開き角度で出射する。一方、図７（ｂ）に示すように熱レンズ形成素子の光吸収層膜の出射面に近い位置６において焦点を結ぶように同時に照射すると、図８（ｂ）に示すように制御光により出射面に近い位置に形成された熱レンズ６０により、信号光は収束された出射光１１９として出射する。図７（ａ）および図７（ｂ）のいずれの場合も、制御光を照射しないと、図８（ａ）および図８（ｂ）に点線で示すように信号光は熱レンズ５０または６０の影響を受けることなく、信号光のみが通常の開き角度の出射光２００として出射する。   As shown in FIG. 7A, the control light having the wavelength in the absorption band of the light absorption layer film and the signal light having the wavelength in the transmission band are positioned close to the incident surface of the light absorption layer film of the thermal lens forming element 1. 5, the signal light is diffused so that the cross section expands in a ring shape by the thermal lens 50 formed near the entrance surface by the control light as shown in FIG. 8A. The emitted light 201 is emitted at an opening angle larger than that of the normal emitted light 200. On the other hand, when irradiation is performed simultaneously so as to focus at a position 6 close to the emission surface of the light absorption layer film of the thermal lens forming element as shown in FIG. 7B, the light is emitted by the control light as shown in FIG. The signal light is emitted as converged outgoing light 119 by the thermal lens 60 formed at a position close to the surface. 7A and 7B, if the control light is not irradiated, the signal light is emitted from the thermal lens 50 or 60 as indicated by a dotted line in FIGS. 8A and 8B. Only the signal light is emitted as the outgoing light 200 having a normal opening angle without being affected.

このような熱レンズ効果を調べるため、熱レンズ効果の有無と集光点位置の相違に対応した信号光ビーム断面における光強度分布の相違の測定を行った。すなわち、図１または図９に概要を示す装置において、受光レンズ４１の開口数０．５５、集光レンズ３１の開口数０．２５とし、穴付ミラー６１の代わりに図１３に概要を示すような光強度分布測定器７００を設置し、熱レンズ形成素子１を透過した信号光ビームの全てを受光レンズ４１で受光し、平行光線として前記光強度分布測定器の受光部７０１（有効直径２０ｍｍ）へ入射させ、信号光ビーム断面の光強度分布を測定した。測定結果を図１８、図１９、および、図２０に示す。ここで、光強度分布測定器は、図１３に示すように、受光部７０１（有効直径２０ｍｍ）に対して幅１ｍｍの第一のスリット７０２を設け、第一のスリットの長さ方向、すなわち図１３において点７１０から点７２０の向きに、幅２５μｍの第二のスリット７０３を一定速度で移動させて、２枚のスリットが作る１ｍｍ×２５μｍの長方形の窓を通過した光の強度を、前記窓の移動位置に対応させて測定する装置である。前記窓の移動位置に対応させて光強度を測定するには、例えば、第二のスリット７０３の移動速度に同期させたストレージオシロスコープ上に、前記窓を通過した光を受光した検出器の出力を記録すれば良い。図１８〜図２０は、以上のようにして、ストレージオシロスコープ上に記録された信号光の光ビーム断面についての光強度分布を示すものであり、横軸（光ビーム断面内の位置）は受光部７０１の中心を０として、図１３の点７１０を負方向、点７２０を正方向と座標を定めて表した位置に対応し、縦軸は光強度を表す。   In order to investigate such a thermal lens effect, the difference in the light intensity distribution in the signal light beam cross section corresponding to the presence or absence of the thermal lens effect and the difference in the focal point position was measured. That is, in the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 9, the numerical aperture of the light receiving lens 41 is 0.55, the numerical aperture of the condenser lens 31 is 0.25, and the outline is shown in FIG. A light intensity distribution measuring device 700 is installed, and all of the signal light beam transmitted through the thermal lens forming element 1 is received by the light receiving lens 41, and the light receiving portion 701 (effective diameter 20 mm) of the light intensity distribution measuring device as parallel rays. The light intensity distribution of the signal light beam cross section was measured. The measurement results are shown in FIG. 18, FIG. 19, and FIG. Here, as shown in FIG. 13, the light intensity distribution measuring device is provided with a first slit 702 having a width of 1 mm with respect to the light receiving unit 701 (effective diameter 20 mm). 13, the second slit 703 having a width of 25 μm is moved at a constant speed in the direction from the point 710 to the point 720, and the intensity of light passing through a 1 mm × 25 μm rectangular window formed by the two slits is determined by the window It is an apparatus which measures according to the movement position. In order to measure the light intensity corresponding to the moving position of the window, for example, the output of the detector that has received the light passing through the window on a storage oscilloscope synchronized with the moving speed of the second slit 703 is used. Record it. 18 to 20 show the light intensity distribution of the light beam cross section of the signal light recorded on the storage oscilloscope as described above, and the horizontal axis (position in the light beam cross section) is the light receiving section. In FIG. 13, the center of 701 is 0, the point 710 in FIG. 13 corresponds to the negative direction, the point 720 corresponds to the positive direction and the position, and the vertical axis represents the light intensity.

図１８は、図９（ａ）の場合に対応し、熱レンズ形成素子１に制御光が入射せず、信号光のみが入射した場合の前記信号光ビーム断面の光強度分布である。この場合の光強度分布は、中心部分の強度が強く、周辺にいくにしたがって強度が弱まる分布（おおむね「ガウス分布」）である。したがって、この場合に充分な大きさの穴１６１を有する穴付ミラー６１が図９（ａ）のように設置されていると、信号光ビーム１１１の全てが穴付ミラーの穴１６１を通過することができる。ここで、平行光として集光レンズ３１（焦点距離ｆ1）へ入射する信号光のビーム直径をｄ1、受光レンズ４１（焦点距離ｆ2）によって平行光とされた信号光ビーム１１１のビーム直径をｄ2とすると、
（数６）
ｆ1：ｆ2＝ｄ1：ｄ2 …〔８〕
であるから、ｄ2は次の式によって求めることができる。 FIG. 18 corresponds to the case of FIG. 9A, and shows the light intensity distribution of the signal light beam cross section when the control light does not enter the thermal lens forming element 1 and only the signal light enters. In this case, the light intensity distribution is a distribution (generally “Gaussian distribution”) in which the intensity at the center portion is strong and the intensity decreases toward the periphery. Therefore, in this case, when the holed mirror 61 having a sufficiently large hole 161 is installed as shown in FIG. 9A, all of the signal light beam 111 passes through the hole 161 of the holed mirror. Can do. Here, the beam diameter of the signal light incident on the condenser lens 31 (focal length f 1 ) as parallel light is d 1 , and the beam diameter of the signal light beam 111 converted into parallel light by the light receiving lens 41 (focal distance f 2 ). Is d 2 ,
(Equation 6)
f 1 : f 2 = d 1 : d 2 (8)
Therefore, d 2 can be obtained by the following equation.

（数７）
ｄ2＝（ｆ2／ｆ1）×ｄ1 …〔９〕 (Equation 7)
d 2 = (f 2 / f 1 ) × d 1 (9)

穴付ミラー６１は、本実施例１では、信号光の光軸と４５度の角度をもって設置されている。また、穴１６１を通過する信号光の断面は円形である。したがって、穴１６１の形状は短径Ｄ1、長径Ｄ2の楕円である必要があり、Ｄ1とＤ2は次の式〔１０〕の関係にある。 In the first embodiment, the holed mirror 61 is installed at an angle of 45 degrees with the optical axis of the signal light. The signal light passing through the hole 161 has a circular cross section. Therefore, the shape of the hole 161 needs to be an ellipse having a minor axis D 1 and a major axis D 2 , and D 1 and D 2 are in the relationship of the following equation [10].

（数８）
Ｄ2＝Ｄ1×√２ …〔１０〕 (Equation 8)
D 2 = D 1 × √2 ... [10]

ここで、穴付ミラー６１の楕円形穴１６１の短径Ｄ1は、式〔９〕から求められる信号光ビーム１１１のビーム直径ｄ2よりも大きければ良い。ただし、Ｄ1が大きすぎると制御光の照射によってリング状に拡大された信号光の一部も通過してしまう。すなわち、Ｄ1の最適値はｄ2の１．０１倍ないし１．２倍であり、より好ましくは１．０２倍ないし１．１倍である。 Here, the short diameter D 1 of the elliptical hole 161 of the mirror 61 with a hole may be larger than the beam diameter d 2 of the signal light beam 111 obtained from the equation [9]. However, if D 1 is too large, part of the signal light expanded in a ring shape by the irradiation of the control light also passes. That is, the optimum value of D 1 is 1.01 to 1.2 times d 2 , more preferably 1.02 to 1.1 times.

本実施例１において、集光レンズ３１の焦点距離ｆ1と受光レンズ４１の焦点距離ｆ2は同一とした。したがって、集光レンズ３１に入射する信号光１１０のビーム直径ｄ1と受光レンズによって平行光とされた信号光１１１のビーム直径ｄ2は同一であり、前述のように１０ｍｍである。したがって、本実施例１における穴付ミラー６１の楕円形穴１６１の短径Ｄ1は１０．１ｍｍないし１２ｍｍが好ましく、より好ましくは１０．２ｍｍないし１１ｍｍであり、実際には１０．５ｍｍとした。Ｄ2は式〔７〕から１４．８ｍｍである。また、ミラーのサイズは、直径３０ｍｍのビームを４５度反射可能な大きさ（５０ｍｍ角）のものを用いた。 In this embodiment 1, the focal length f 2 of the focal length f 1 between the light receiving lens 41 of the condenser lens 31 were identical. Therefore, the beam diameter d 1 of the signal light 110 incident on the condenser lens 31 is the same as the beam diameter d 2 of the signal light 111 converted into parallel light by the light receiving lens, and is 10 mm as described above. Therefore, minor D 1 of the elliptical hole 161 of the hole-provided mirror 61 in the first embodiment to 12mm preferably 10.1 mm, more preferably from 11mm to not 10.2 mm, actually was 10.5 mm. D 2 is 14.8 mm from the formula [7]. The mirror used was a size (50 mm square) capable of reflecting a beam having a diameter of 30 mm by 45 degrees.

図１９は、焦点（集光点）を熱レンズ形成素子１の集光レンズ３１に近い位置５（光の入射側）に設定し、制御光を照射したときの信号光ビーム断面の光強度分布である。この場合の光強度分布は、中心部分の光強度が弱く、周辺でリング状に光強度が増大する分布になっている。信号光ビーム断面の中心部の光強度は、制御光強度および熱レンズ形成素子１と焦点の位置関係に依存して減少し、制御光強度が増すにしたがって、ゼロに近づいていく。また、信号光強度の極大位置は、元のビーム直径よりも大きな値（直径約１５ｍｍ）であった。   FIG. 19 shows the light intensity distribution of the cross section of the signal light beam when the focus (condensing point) is set at a position 5 (light incident side) close to the condensing lens 31 of the thermal lens forming element 1 and the control light is irradiated. It is. In this case, the light intensity distribution is a distribution in which the light intensity at the center portion is weak and the light intensity increases in a ring shape around the periphery. The light intensity at the center of the cross section of the signal light beam decreases depending on the control light intensity and the positional relationship between the thermal lens forming element 1 and the focal point, and approaches zero as the control light intensity increases. Further, the maximum position of the signal light intensity was a value larger than the original beam diameter (diameter about 15 mm).

図２０に対応する熱レンズ効果の利用については、実施例２に記載する。   Use of the thermal lens effect corresponding to FIG. 20 will be described in Example 2.

以上、まとめると、図８（ａ）の光学配置において、制御光照射の有無に対応して、熱レンズ形成素子を通過した信号光のビーム断面の光強度分布が図１９のリング状分布（制御光照射の場合）と図１８のガウス分布（制御光非照射の場合）の間で切り替えられ、これを、信号光ビーム断面の光強度分布の形状に適合した穴付ミラーによって、それぞれ別個に取り出すことによって、信号光の光路の切替が可能となる。   In summary, in the optical arrangement of FIG. 8A, the light intensity distribution of the beam cross section of the signal light that has passed through the thermal lens forming element corresponds to the ring distribution (control) of FIG. 18) (in the case of light irradiation) and the Gaussian distribution in FIG. 18 (in the case of non-control light irradiation), which are separately taken out by a mirror with a hole adapted to the shape of the light intensity distribution of the signal light beam cross section. Thus, the optical path of the signal light can be switched.

穴付ミラー６１は、本実施例１では、信号光の光軸と４５度の角度をもって設置されている。穴付ミラー６１のミラー面は、ガラス面上に誘電体多層膜をスパッタリング法で作成し、信号光の波長で反射率が極大になるよう調整したものを用いた。穴付ミラー６１の穴１６１の部分は、ガラスに楕円状の穴を、４５度傾けて開けて作成した。穴を開ける替わりに、楕円状に反射膜を付けなくても良いが、ガラス面には反射が数％あって信号光の減衰かつクロストークが起こるので、穴を開ける方が好ましい。穴の内面は光散乱などによる迷光を防ぐため、平滑で、無反射処理されていることことが好ましい。また、反射膜は、誘電体多層膜に限らず、用いる制御光と信号光に反射がある材料であれば良く、金、銀等でも良い。   In the first embodiment, the holed mirror 61 is installed at an angle of 45 degrees with the optical axis of the signal light. The mirror surface of the mirror 61 with a hole was prepared by forming a dielectric multilayer film on a glass surface by a sputtering method and adjusting the reflectance to a maximum at the wavelength of the signal light. The portion of the hole 161 of the mirror 61 with a hole was created by opening an elliptical hole in the glass at an angle of 45 degrees. Instead of making a hole, it is not necessary to provide an elliptical reflection film, but it is preferable to make a hole because the glass surface has a reflection of several percent and signal light is attenuated and crosstalk occurs. The inner surface of the hole is preferably smooth and non-reflective treated to prevent stray light due to light scattering. The reflective film is not limited to a dielectric multilayer film, and may be any material that reflects the control light and signal light used, and may be gold, silver, or the like.

光路切替によって、図１に示すように、信号光本来の進行方向から９０度方向変換して取り出した信号光（スイッチ信号光）２１１，２１２および２１３は、集光レンズ７１，７２および７３で集光して光ファイバー１１，１２および１３に入射させている。   As shown in FIG. 1, the signal light (switch signal light) 211, 212, and 213 extracted by changing the direction of the signal light by 90 degrees by the optical path switching is collected by the condenser lenses 71, 72, and 73. The light is incident on the optical fibers 11, 12 and 13.

制御光の光源２１，２２および２３の全てが消灯している場合、信号光は熱レンズ効果を受けず、信号光１１１，１１２、次いで１１３として出射する。出射信号光１１３を集光レンズ４０１によって集光して光ファイバー１０１に入射させている。   When all of the control light sources 21, 22, and 23 are turned off, the signal light is not subjected to the thermal lens effect and is emitted as signal light 111, 112, and then 113. The outgoing signal light 113 is condensed by the condenser lens 401 and is incident on the optical fiber 101.

なお、光ファイバー１１，１２，１３、または、１０１の代わりに光検出器等に入射させて、情報を電気信号に変換して取り出しても良い。   In addition, instead of the optical fibers 11, 12, 13, or 101, the light may be incident on a photodetector or the like, and information may be converted into an electrical signal and taken out.

ここで、熱レンズ形成素子１，２および３における制御光の透過率が０％でない限り、透過率に相当する分の制御光も熱レンズ形成素子１，２および３を透過し、出射して来る。この制御光が後段の熱レンズ形成素子等に入射して誤動作ないしクロストークを起こすことを避けるため、熱レンズ形成素子１，２および３における各々の制御光の透過率を０％に限りなく近づける必要がある。更に、熱レンズ形成素子１，２および３の後ろまたは集光レンズ４１，４２，および４３の後ろに波長選択透過フィルター８１，８２，８３を、設けることが好ましい。これらの波長選択透過フィルターとしては、個々の制御光の波長帯域の光を完全に遮断し、一方、信号光および後段の光路切替機構のための制御光の波長帯域の光を効率良く透過することのできるような波長選択透過フィルターであれば、公知の任意のものを使用することができる。例えば、色素で着色したプラスチックやガラス、表面に誘電体多層膜を設けたガラスなどを用いることができる。このような波長選択透過フィルター用材料からなる薄膜を集光レンズ４１，４２，および４３の表面に塗工法、スパッタリング法などの手法で形成し、前記波長選択透過フィルターとしての機能を発揮させても良い。   Here, as long as the transmittance of the control light in the thermal lens forming elements 1, 2 and 3 is not 0%, the control light corresponding to the transmittance is also transmitted through the thermal lens forming elements 1, 2 and 3 and emitted. come. In order to prevent this control light from entering a subsequent thermal lens forming element or the like and causing malfunction or crosstalk, the transmittance of each control light in the thermal lens forming elements 1, 2 and 3 is made as close as possible to 0%. There is a need. Furthermore, it is preferable to provide wavelength selective transmission filters 81, 82, 83 behind the thermal lens forming elements 1, 2, 3 or behind the condenser lenses 41, 42, 43. These wavelength selective transmission filters completely block the light in the wavelength band of each control light, while efficiently transmitting the signal light and the light in the wavelength band of the control light for the optical path switching mechanism at the subsequent stage. Any known wavelength-selective transmission filter can be used. For example, plastic or glass colored with a pigment, glass having a dielectric multilayer film on the surface, or the like can be used. Even if a thin film made of such a wavelength selective transmission filter material is formed on the surfaces of the condenser lenses 41, 42, and 43 by a technique such as coating or sputtering, the function as the wavelength selective transmission filter can be exhibited. good.

本実施例の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置は、「集光レンズ、熱レンズ形成素子、受光レンズ、および穴付ミラー」からなる光路切替機構を３段直列に連結したものである。したがって、制御光を全て消灯している場合は信号光は直進して光ファイバー１０１へ入射するのに対し、制御光２１を点灯した場合は信号光２１１が光ファイバー１１へ、制御光２１を消灯し制御光２２を点灯した場合は信号光２１２が光ファイバー１２へ、更に、制御光２１および２２を消灯し制御光２３を点灯した場合は信号光２１３が光ファイバー１３へ、光路が切り替えられて出射する。複数の制御光を同時に点灯するケースについては後の実施例で説明する。   The optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus of this embodiment is formed by connecting three stages of optical path switching mechanisms including “a condensing lens, a thermal lens forming element, a light receiving lens, and a mirror with a hole” in series. Therefore, when all of the control light is turned off, the signal light goes straight and enters the optical fiber 101, whereas when the control light 21 is turned on, the signal light 211 is turned off to the optical fiber 11 and the control light 21 is turned off. When the light 22 is turned on, the signal light 212 is emitted to the optical fiber 12, and when the control lights 21 and 22 are turned off and the control light 23 is turned on, the signal light 213 is emitted to the optical fiber 13 with its optical path switched. A case where a plurality of control lights are simultaneously turned on will be described in a later embodiment.

本実施例１の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置において、第１段目の光路切替機構の光応答速度を測定するため、信号光を連続光とし、一方、制御光１２１を周波数数Ｈｚから１００ｋＨｚで、デューティ比１：１の矩形波断続光線として照射し、光路切替された信号光の強度振幅の大小を比較した。   In the optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus of the first embodiment, in order to measure the optical response speed of the first-stage optical path switching mechanism, the signal light is continuous light, while the control light 121 is frequency several Hz. The intensity amplitude of the signal light that was irradiated as a rectangular wave intermittent light beam with a duty ratio of 1: 1 at a frequency of 100 kHz and the optical path switched was compared.

図１に示す制御光光源２１からの制御光１２１を光検出器に導いてオシロスコープ上で測定した制御光の波形１２１０および制御光１２１の明滅に対応して光路切替された信号光２１１を光検出器に導いてオシロスコープ上で測定した信号光の波形１２２０を図１５および図１６に示す。なお、図１６の縦軸は図１５の場合の３倍に拡大されている。また、制御光１２１を断続する矩形波の周波数を２００Ｈｚないし１００ｋＨｚに設定し、そのときの信号光の断続に対応する信号光の波形１２２０の振幅Ｌを測定した結果を図１７に示す。   The control light 121 from the control light source 21 shown in FIG. 1 is guided to a photodetector, and the control light waveform 1210 measured on the oscilloscope and the signal light 211 whose optical path is switched corresponding to the blinking of the control light 121 are detected. FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 show the waveform 1220 of the signal light guided to the instrument and measured on the oscilloscope. In addition, the vertical axis | shaft of FIG. 16 is expanded 3 times compared with the case of FIG. FIG. 17 shows the result of measuring the amplitude L of the waveform 1220 of the signal light corresponding to the intermittent signal light at that time when the frequency of the rectangular wave that intermittently transmits the control light 121 is set to 200 Hz to 100 kHz.

図１５において制御光１２１（図１）を断続する矩形波の周波数５００Ｈｚであり、このときの信号光の断続に対応する信号光の波形１２２０の振幅Ｌを基準の１とすると、制御光１２１（図１）を断続する矩形波の周波数範囲０．２から２ｋＨｚにおいて、振幅Ｌは、ほぼ１であった。すなわち、５００マイクロ秒で完全な光路切替が可能であることが確認された。これは、電気ヒーターを用いた熱光学効果を用いた光スイッチ（応答速度はミリ秒オーダー）に比べ、２倍以上の高速応答である。   In FIG. 15, the frequency of a rectangular wave that interrupts the control light 121 (FIG. 1) is 500 Hz. If the amplitude L of the waveform 1220 of the signal light corresponding to the intermittent signal light at this time is 1 as a reference, the control light 121 ( The amplitude L was almost 1 in the frequency range of 0.2 to 2 kHz of the rectangular wave intermittently in FIG. That is, it was confirmed that complete optical path switching was possible in 500 microseconds. This is a high-speed response that is at least twice as fast as an optical switch using a thermo-optic effect using an electric heater (response speed is in the order of milliseconds).

更に周波数を高めた場合の例として、周波数２０ｋＨｚにおける信号光の波形１２２０を図１６に示す。図１６から判るように熱レンズ効果による光路切替が完了しない内に制御光を消灯すると、信号光の波形はのこぎりの刃状になり、振幅Ｌは小さくなっていく。すなわち、熱レンズ効果の応答速度を超えると光路の切替は不完全になり、信号光の一部は光路切替されずに直進する。   As an example when the frequency is further increased, a waveform 1220 of signal light at a frequency of 20 kHz is shown in FIG. As can be seen from FIG. 16, when the control light is turned off before the optical path switching by the thermal lens effect is completed, the waveform of the signal light becomes a saw blade and the amplitude L decreases. That is, when the response speed of the thermal lens effect is exceeded, the switching of the optical path becomes incomplete, and a part of the signal light goes straight without being switched.

以上のような第１段目の光路切替機構において行った光応答速度測定のと同様の測定を、第２段目および第３段目の光路切替機構において、各々信号光１２２および１２３を断続させて実施したところ、第１段目と同等の高速応答を示した。   The same measurement as that of the optical response speed measurement performed in the first-stage optical path switching mechanism as described above is performed by interrupting the signal lights 122 and 123 in the second-stage and third-stage optical path switching mechanisms, respectively. As a result, a high-speed response equivalent to that of the first stage was shown.

本実施例１の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置の耐久性を測定するため、信号光を連続光とし、一方、制御光１２１，１２２および１２３を各々、周波数数１ｋＨｚで、デューティ比１：１の矩形波断続光線として照射し、光路切替された信号光の強度振幅の時間を比較した。その結果、各々連続１万時間経過しても、信号光の強度振幅は減衰しなかった。   In order to measure the durability of the optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus according to the first embodiment, the signal light is continuous light, while the control lights 121, 122 and 123 each have a frequency of 1 kHz and a duty ratio of 1 The intensity amplitude time of the signal light which was irradiated as a rectangular wave intermittent light beam of 1 and whose optical path was switched was compared. As a result, the intensity amplitude of the signal light was not attenuated even after 10,000 hours had passed.

本実施例１の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置の偏波依存性を検証するため、信号光および制御光に１枚の偏光素子を挿入し、偏光角を種々変化させる実験を行ったが、偏波依存性は全く認められなかった。   In order to verify the polarization dependence of the optically controlled optical path switching type optical signal transmission device of the first embodiment, an experiment was performed in which one polarization element was inserted into the signal light and the control light, and the polarization angle was variously changed. However, no polarization dependence was observed.

本実施例１の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置の出射直進光と光路切替光とのクロストーク特性を調べるため、制御光全て消灯、制御光光源２１のみ点灯、制御光光源２２のみ点灯、および、制御光光源２３のみ点灯の各々の場合について、光ファイバー１０１，１１，１２，１３からの出射光強度を比較したところ、目的とする出射光強度に対するモレ光（クロストーク）強度は２０００ないし８０００：１（−３３ないし３９ｄＢ）と微弱であった。   In order to examine the crosstalk characteristics between the outgoing straight light and the optical path switching light of the optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus of the first embodiment, all the control lights are turned off, only the control light source 21 is turned on, and only the control light source 22 is turned on. When the intensity of the emitted light from the optical fibers 101, 11, 12, 13 is compared for each case where only the control light source 23 is lit, the intensity of the mole light (crosstalk) with respect to the intended emitted light intensity is 2000 to 2000. It was weak as 8000: 1 (-33 to 39 dB).

［実施例２］
信号光ビーム断面における光強度分布の一例を表す図２０は、図８（ｂ）および図１０（ｂ）に示すような光学配置の場合に対応し、焦点（集光点）を図７（ｂ）に示す熱レンズ形成素子１の受光レンズ４１に近い位置６（光の出射側）に設定し、制御光を照射したときの信号光ビーム断面の光強度分布である。この場合は、中心部分の光強度が、制御光を照射しない場合の中心部分の光強度（図１８）より強くなっている。この場合、信号光ビーム断面の中心部の光強度は、制御光強度および熱レンズ形成素子１と焦点６との位置関係に依存するが、制御光非照射時の数倍にも達する。 [Example 2]
FIG. 20 showing an example of the light intensity distribution in the cross section of the signal light beam corresponds to the optical arrangement as shown in FIGS. 8B and 10B, and the focal point (condensing point) is shown in FIG. The light intensity distribution of the cross section of the signal light beam when the control light is irradiated at the position 6 (light emission side) close to the light receiving lens 41 of the thermal lens forming element 1 shown in FIG. In this case, the light intensity at the central portion is higher than the light intensity at the central portion when the control light is not irradiated (FIG. 18). In this case, the light intensity at the center of the cross section of the signal light beam depends on the control light intensity and the positional relationship between the thermal lens forming element 1 and the focal point 6, but reaches several times that when no control light is irradiated.

したがって、この場合に穴付ミラー６１が設置されていると、信号光ビームの大部分が穴付ミラーの穴１６１を通過する。ここで、穴付ミラー６１（および６２，６３）の穴１６１の大きさが最適化（本実施例２の場合、直径２ｍｍ）されていると、穴付ミラー６１によって反射される信号光を事実上ゼロにすることができる。しかしながら、穴付ミラー６１の穴１６１の大きさを最適化しても、制御光を照射しない場合（図９（ａ）、図８）において、図１０（ａ）に示すような信号光の中心部分が穴１６１を漏れ信号光１１８として通過してしまうことは防げない。すなわち、本実施例２の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置においては、信号光ビーム断面の光強度分布がガウス分布ないしガウス分布に近い場合、図１０（ａ）における信号光２１１に対して、必ず、ある程度の漏れ信号光１１８（クロストーク）が発生する。   Therefore, if the mirror 61 with a hole is installed in this case, most of the signal light beam passes through the hole 161 of the mirror with a hole. Here, if the size of the hole 161 of the mirror 61 (and 62, 63) with the hole is optimized (in the case of the second embodiment, the diameter is 2 mm), the signal light reflected by the mirror 61 with the hole is a fact. Can be top zero. However, even if the size of the hole 161 of the mirror 61 with holes is optimized, the central portion of the signal light as shown in FIG. 10A in the case where the control light is not irradiated (FIGS. 9A and 8). However, it cannot be prevented that the leakage signal light 118 passes through the hole 161. That is, in the optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus of the second embodiment, when the light intensity distribution of the signal light beam cross section is Gaussian distribution or close to Gaussian distribution, the signal light 211 in FIG. Certainly, a certain amount of leakage signal light 118 (crosstalk) is generated.

しかるに、熱レンズ形成素子へ入射する信号光ビーム断面の光強度分布を変更することによって、このような漏れ信号光を事実上ゼロにすることができる。すなわち、図１および図２ｂに示すように、光ファイバー１００から出射した信号光１１０をコリメートレンズ３０を用いて整形した後、円錐プリズム型レンズなどからなるビーム断面リング化レンズ群３２１によって、信号光ビーム断面の光強度分布を図１９に相当するようなリング状の分布にすることが容易にできる。このような断面光強度分布の信号光１１０を集光レンズ３１にて焦点位置６（図１０（ａ））を通過するように収束して熱レンズ形成素子１を透過させた後、受光レンズ４１で平行光線に戻すと、その光ビーム断面の光強度分布は図１９に相当するように周辺部分で強く、中心部分が事実上ゼロの「リング状」となるため、穴付ミラー６１を設置した場合、その穴１６１を通過する信号光のモレを事実上、なくすることができる。信号光ビーム断面の光強度分布がこのように「リング状」であっても、図９（ｂ）のように制御光を照射して熱レンズ６０を過渡的に形成させた場合には、信号光ビーム断面の光強度分布は鋭いビーム状の収束直進信号光１１９として穴付ミラー６１の穴１６１を通過していく。   However, by changing the light intensity distribution in the cross section of the signal light beam incident on the thermal lens forming element, such leakage signal light can be made practically zero. That is, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2b, the signal light 110 emitted from the optical fiber 100 is shaped using the collimator lens 30, and then the signal light beam is transmitted by the beam section ring lens group 321 including a conical prism type lens. The light intensity distribution of the cross section can be easily made into a ring-shaped distribution corresponding to FIG. The signal light 110 having such a cross-sectional light intensity distribution is converged by the condenser lens 31 so as to pass through the focal position 6 (FIG. 10A) and transmitted through the thermal lens forming element 1. , The light intensity distribution of the cross section of the light beam is strong in the peripheral portion as shown in FIG. 19, and the central portion is substantially “ring-shaped”, so a mirror 61 with a hole is installed. In this case, the leakage of the signal light passing through the hole 161 can be virtually eliminated. Even if the light intensity distribution of the signal light beam cross section is thus “ring-shaped”, if the thermal lens 60 is transiently formed by irradiating the control light as shown in FIG. The light intensity distribution in the cross section of the light beam passes through the hole 161 of the mirror 61 with a hole as a sharp beam-like convergent linearly traveling signal light 119.

図１０に例示するような光学配置において、制御光および信号光の焦点が熱レンズ形成素子の出射側に近い位置６になるよう調整し、更に信号光ビーム断面の光強度分布をリング状にすることによって、制御光非照射のとき、信号光本来の進行方向から９０度、光路を切り替えて信号光を出射させること、また、制御光照射時に信号光を直進させることができる。   In the optical arrangement as illustrated in FIG. 10, the control light and the signal light are adjusted so that the focal points of the control light and the signal light are close to the exit side of the thermal lens forming element, and the light intensity distribution of the signal light beam cross section is made ring-shaped. Thus, when the control light is not irradiated, the signal light can be emitted by switching the optical path by 90 degrees from the original traveling direction of the signal light, and the signal light can be caused to travel straight when the control light is irradiated.

本実施例２の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置は、実施例１（図１）における光路切替機構９１，９２，９３を図２ｂに例示されるような光路切替機構１９１に全て置き換えたものであって、信号光および制御光の焦点（集光点）を熱レンズ形成素子１の受光レンズ４１に近い位置６（光の出射側）に設定し、穴付ミラー６１の穴１６１を実施例１の場合よりも小さく、直径２ｍｍとしたものである。この場合、信号光および制御光の焦点（集光点）を熱レンズ形成素子１の受光レンズ４１に近い位置６（光の出射側）に設定するため、熱レンズ形成素子の光吸収層膜における制御光の透過率は、１ないし５％であることが好ましい。光路切替機構１９１に入射する信号光１１０のビーム断面光強度分布がガウス分布ないしガウス分布に類似であって、リング状でない場合、円錐プリズム型レンズなどからなるビーム断面リング化レンズ群３２１によって、信号光ビーム断面の光強度分布をリング状にすることが好ましい。また、信号光と制御光が同時に照射された場合、制御光の光吸収によって形成された熱レンズ６０を出射する収束直進信号光１１９は、ビーム径が小さいため、後段で集光する場合、前述のようにビームウエストが大きめになってしまう。これを避けるため、収束直進信号光１１９をビームエキスパンダー３３１によって、入射信号光１１０と同等の半径５ｍｍまで拡大させた信号光１１１として出射させることが好ましい。   In the optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus according to the second embodiment, the optical path switching mechanisms 91, 92, 93 in the first embodiment (FIG. 1) are all replaced with the optical path switching mechanism 191 illustrated in FIG. 2b. The focus (focusing point) of the signal light and the control light is set at a position 6 (light emitting side) close to the light receiving lens 41 of the thermal lens forming element 1 and the hole 161 of the mirror 61 with a hole is implemented. It is smaller than the case of Example 1 and has a diameter of 2 mm. In this case, since the focal point (condensing point) of the signal light and the control light is set at a position 6 (light emission side) close to the light receiving lens 41 of the thermal lens forming element 1, in the light absorption layer film of the thermal lens forming element. The transmittance of the control light is preferably 1 to 5%. When the beam cross-sectional light intensity distribution of the signal light 110 incident on the optical path switching mechanism 191 is similar to a Gaussian distribution or a Gaussian distribution and is not ring-shaped, the signal is transmitted by the beam cross-sectional ring lens group 321 including a conical prism type lens. It is preferable to make the light intensity distribution of the light beam cross section into a ring shape. In addition, when the signal light and the control light are simultaneously irradiated, the convergent straight traveling signal light 119 emitted from the thermal lens 60 formed by the light absorption of the control light has a small beam diameter. The beam waist will be larger. In order to avoid this, it is preferable that the converging straight-ahead signal light 119 is emitted as the signal light 111 expanded by the beam expander 331 to the same radius as the incident signal light 110 to 5 mm.

本実施例２の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置の制御光１２１，１２２，１２３の点灯の組み合わせと光路切替の関係は次の通りである。少なくとも制御光１２１を消灯した場合、信号光１１０は穴付ミラー６１の反射面によって反射され、光路切替信号光２１１として出射し、集光レンズ７１によって集光され、光ファイバー１１へ入射する。制御光１２１を点灯した場合、信号光１１０は収束直進信号光１１９として穴付ミラー６１の穴１６１を通過した後、ビームエキスパンダー３３１によって入射信号光１１０と同じビーム径まで拡大されて第２段目の光路切替機構１９２（図４）に入射する。制御光１２１が点灯し、制御光１２２が消灯されている場合、信号光１１１は光路切替光２１２として出射し、光ファイバー１２に入射する。制御光１２１と１２２が同時に点灯している場合、信号光は直進し、信号光１１２として第３段目の光路切替機構１９３（図４）に入射し、制御光１２１と１２２が同時に点灯し、かつ、制御光１２３が消灯している場合、光路切替光２１３として光ファイバー１３へ入射する。制御光１２１，１２２，１２３が全て点灯している場合、信号光１１０は最終的に直進信号光１１３として出射し、集光レンズ４０１によって集光され、光ファイバー１０１へ入射する。   The relationship between the combination of lighting of the control lights 121, 122, and 123 and the optical path switching of the optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus of the second embodiment is as follows. When at least the control light 121 is turned off, the signal light 110 is reflected by the reflecting surface of the holed mirror 61, is emitted as the optical path switching signal light 211, is collected by the condenser lens 71, and enters the optical fiber 11. When the control light 121 is turned on, the signal light 110 passes through the hole 161 of the mirror 61 with a hole as the converging linearly traveling signal light 119, and then is expanded to the same beam diameter as the incident signal light 110 by the beam expander 331. Is incident on the optical path switching mechanism 192 (FIG. 4). When the control light 121 is turned on and the control light 122 is turned off, the signal light 111 is emitted as the optical path switching light 212 and enters the optical fiber 12. When the control lights 121 and 122 are lit at the same time, the signal light travels straight and enters the third stage optical path switching mechanism 193 (FIG. 4) as the signal light 112, and the control lights 121 and 122 are lit simultaneously. In addition, when the control light 123 is turned off, it enters the optical fiber 13 as the optical path switching light 213. When all of the control lights 121, 122, and 123 are lit, the signal light 110 is finally emitted as the straight signal light 113, collected by the condenser lens 401, and incident on the optical fiber 101.

本実施例２の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置の光応答速度を測定するため、信号光を連続光とし、一方、制御光１２１を周波数数Ｈｚから１００ｋＨｚで、デューティ比１：１の矩形波断続光線として照射し、光路切替された信号光の強度振幅の大小を比較した。その結果、１Ｈｚのときの信号光の強度振幅を基準として、２ｋＨｚまで、強度振幅は変化せず、更に周波数を高めた場合、強度振幅は徐々に減衰し、１０ｋＨｚのとき半減した。すなわち、５００マイクロ秒で完全な光路切替が可能であることが確認された。これは、電気ヒーターを用いた熱光学効果を用いた光スイッチに比べ、２倍以上の高速応答である。制御光１２２および１２３を同様に断続しても、１２１を断続した場合と同等の応答速度が観測された。   In order to measure the optical response speed of the optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus according to the second embodiment, the signal light is continuous light, while the control light 121 has a frequency of several Hz to 100 kHz and a duty ratio of 1: 1. The intensity amplitude of the signal light that was irradiated as a rectangular wave intermittent light and the optical path was switched was compared. As a result, with reference to the intensity amplitude of the signal light at 1 Hz, the intensity amplitude did not change up to 2 kHz, and when the frequency was further increased, the intensity amplitude was gradually attenuated and halved at 10 kHz. That is, it was confirmed that complete optical path switching was possible in 500 microseconds. This is more than twice as fast as an optical switch using a thermo-optic effect using an electric heater. Even when the control lights 122 and 123 were similarly interrupted, a response speed equivalent to that when 121 was intermittently observed was observed.

本実施例２の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置の耐久性を測定するため、信号光を連続光とし、一方、制御光１２１，１２２，１２３を各々周波数１ｋＨｚで、デューティ比１：１の矩形波断続光線として照射し、光路切替された信号光の強度振幅の時間を比較した。その結果、各々連続１万時間経過しても、信号光の強度振幅は減衰しなかった。   In order to measure the durability of the optically controlled optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus of the second embodiment, the signal light is continuous light, while the control lights 121, 122, and 123 are each set to a frequency of 1 kHz and a duty ratio of 1: 1. The intensity amplitude time of the signal light that was irradiated as the rectangular wave intermittent light and switched the optical path was compared. As a result, the intensity amplitude of the signal light was not attenuated even after 10,000 hours had passed.

本実施例２の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置の出射直進光と光路切替光とのクロストーク特性を調べるため、制御光全て消灯、制御光１２１のみ点灯、制御光１２１および１２２のみ点灯、および、制御光１２１，１２２，１２３全て点灯の各々の場合について、光ファイバー１０１，１１，１２，１３からの出射光強度を比較したところ、目的とする出射光強度に対するモレ光（クロストーク）強度は１０００ないし２０００：１（−３０ないし３３ｄＢ）と微弱であった。   In order to examine the crosstalk characteristics between the outgoing straight light and the optical path switching light of the optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus of the second embodiment, all the control lights are turned off, only the control lights 121 are lit, only the control lights 121 and 122 are lit. When the intensity of the emitted light from the optical fibers 101, 11, 12, and 13 is compared for each of the control lights 121, 122, and 123 that are all turned on, the intensity of mole light (crosstalk) with respect to the intended emitted light intensity is compared. Was as weak as 1000 to 2000: 1 (-30 to 33 dB).

［実施例３］
実施例１における穴付ミラー６１の設置角度（信号光１１０の光軸に対して４５度）を変更し、楕円状穴１６１の形状（短径に対する長径の長さ）を設置角度に基づいて三角関数を用いて計算して決定することによって、信号光１１０の光軸に対する光路切替の角度を、おおよそ５度から１７５度の範囲で自由に変更することができる。第２段目以降の穴付ミラー６２および６３の設置角度を同様に変更可能である。 [Example 3]
The installation angle of the holed mirror 61 in the first embodiment (45 degrees with respect to the optical axis of the signal light 110) is changed, and the shape of the elliptical hole 161 (the length of the major axis with respect to the minor axis) is triangular based on the installation angle. By calculating and determining using a function, the angle of the optical path switching with respect to the optical axis of the signal light 110 can be freely changed within a range of approximately 5 degrees to 175 degrees. The installation angle of the mirrors with holes 62 and 63 in the second and subsequent stages can be similarly changed.

また、信号光１１０の光軸を回転軸として、穴付ミラー６１の設置位置を回転し、集光レンズ７１等の位置を移動することによっても、信号光１１０の光軸に対する光路切替の方向を、０から３６０度の範囲で自由に変更することができる。第２段目以降の穴付ミラー６２および６３の設置位置を同様に変更することもできる。   Further, by rotating the installation position of the holed mirror 61 around the optical axis of the signal light 110 and moving the position of the condenser lens 71 and the like, the direction of switching the optical path with respect to the optical axis of the signal light 110 can also be changed. , And can be freely changed in the range of 0 to 360 degrees. The installation positions of the mirrors with holes 62 and 63 in the second and subsequent stages can be similarly changed.

［実施例４］
図５には、実施例４の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置の概略構成が示されている。図５において信号光光源２０、制御光光源２１，２２，２３、ダイクロイックミラー５１，５２，５３，集光レンズ１０、光ファイバー１００、および、コリメートレンズ３０は実施例１の場合と同一である。 [Example 4]
FIG. 5 shows a schematic configuration of an optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 5, the signal light source 20, the control light sources 21, 22, 23, the dichroic mirrors 51, 52, 53, the condenser lens 10, the optical fiber 100, and the collimator lens 30 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

図５の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置は、実施例１の第２段目の光路切替機構９２に１つ、更に、第１段目の光路切替機構９１の後段に３つの光路切替機構を空間結合型で追加、連結し、合計７つの光路切替機構によって、また、３種類の制御光の同時点灯の組み合わせによって、信号光１２０の出射先を光ファイバー１０１，１０２，１０３，１０４，１３，１４，１５，および１６の８方向へ光路切替するものである。すなわち、原理的には一般に、ｎを２以上の整数として、ｎ種類の制御光の点灯状況の組み合わせによって、２のｎ乗方向の光路切替が、２のｎ乗引く１個の光路切替機構を連結することによって可能になる。実際には光路切替機構１段当たりの信号光の透過率の組み合わせによって、実用的な組み合わせ段数が決まる。光路切替機構で光路が切り替わらない「直進信号光」の透過率を８５％（信号強度として０．７ｄＢ減衰）、光路が切り替えられた「切替信号光」の減衰率を８０％（同１．０ｄＢ減衰）と仮定すると、全て直進した場合の総合透過率は６１．４％（同２．１ｄＢ減衰）、３段とも切り替えられた場合の総合透過率は５１．２％（同２．９ｄＢ減衰）である。表２に３種類の制御光１２１，１２２，１２３の同時点灯の組み合わせと信号光出射先をまとめて示す。   The optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus of FIG. 5 has one optical path switching mechanism 92 in the second stage of the first embodiment, and three optical path switching in the subsequent stage of the first stage optical path switching mechanism 91. The mechanisms are added and connected in a spatially coupled manner, and the output destination of the signal light 120 is set to the optical fibers 101, 102, 103, 104, and 13 by a total of seven optical path switching mechanisms and a combination of three types of control lights that are simultaneously turned on. , 14, 15, and 16 for switching optical paths in eight directions. That is, in principle, in general, n is an integer of 2 or more, and an optical path switching in the 2n-th power direction is performed by a combination of lighting states of n types of control lights, and one optical path switching mechanism subtracting 2 to the nth power is provided. It becomes possible by connecting. Actually, the number of practical combination stages is determined by the combination of the transmittance of the signal light per stage of the optical path switching mechanism. The transmissivity of “straight signal light” that is not switched by the optical path switching mechanism is 85% (attenuation of 0.7 dB as signal intensity), and the attenuation rate of “switching signal light” whose optical path is switched is 80% (1.0 dB). Assuming that the total transmission is 61.4% (2.1 dB attenuation), the total transmittance is 51.2% (2.9 dB attenuation) when all three stages are switched. It is. Table 2 shows a combination of simultaneous lighting of the three types of control lights 121, 122, and 123 and signal light emission destinations.

Figure 0003906926
Figure 0003906926

第１段目の光路切替機構９１の熱レンズ形成素子としては、実施例１の場合と同様に波長５３２ｎｍの信号光１２１を吸収する色素〔１〕の溶液を充填した色素溶液充填式熱レンズ形成素子を用いた。波長透過率特性も実施例１の場合と同一とした。   As the thermal lens forming element of the optical path switching mechanism 91 in the first stage, as in Example 1, a dye solution filling type thermal lens filled with a solution of the dye [1] that absorbs the signal light 121 having a wavelength of 532 nm is formed. An element was used. The wavelength transmittance characteristics were also the same as those in Example 1.

第２段目の光路切替機構９２（光路切替機構９１からの直進光１１１と空間的に結合）と９５（光路切替機構９１からの切替光２１１と空間的に結合）の熱レンズ形成素子としては、いずれの場合も、実施例１の場合と同様に波長６７０ｎｍの信号光１２２を吸収する色素〔２〕の溶液を充填した色素溶液充填式熱レンズ形成素子を用いた。波長透過率特性については後で説明する。   As the thermal lens forming elements of the second stage optical path switching mechanism 92 (spatially coupled with the straight light 111 from the optical path switching mechanism 91) and 95 (spatially coupled with the switching light 211 from the optical path switching mechanism 91). In any case, a dye solution-filled thermal lens forming element filled with a solution of the dye [2] that absorbs the signal light 122 having a wavelength of 670 nm was used as in the case of Example 1. The wavelength transmittance characteristic will be described later.

第３段目の光路切替機構９３（光路切替機構９２からの直進光１１２と空間的に結合），９４（同９２からの切替光２１２と空間的に結合），９６（同９５からの切替光２１５と空間的に結合），９７（光路切替機構９５からの直進光１１５と空間的に結合）の熱レンズ形成素子としては、いずれの場合も、実施例１の場合と同様に波長８００ｎｍの信号光１２３を吸収する色素〔３〕の溶液を充填した色素溶液充填式熱レンズ形成素子を用いた。波長透過率特性については後で説明する。   Third-stage optical path switching mechanism 93 (spatially coupled with straight light 112 from optical path switching mechanism 92), 94 (spatially coupled with switching light 212 from 92), 96 (switching light from 95) 215 (spatially coupled to 215) and 97 (spatially coupled to the straight light 115 from the optical path switching mechanism 95), the thermal lens forming element in each case is a signal having a wavelength of 800 nm as in the first embodiment. A dye solution filled thermal lens forming element filled with a solution of the dye [3] that absorbs the light 123 was used. The wavelength transmittance characteristic will be described later.

ここで、前段の光路切替機構からの直進光と結合する後段の光路切替機構９２，９３，９７においては、実施例１における光路切替機構の場合と同様に、集光レンズ３１などによって信号光および制御光を図７（ａ）および図９の位置５に相当する位置、すなわち、熱レンズ素子の光吸収層膜の入射面に近い位置において焦点を結ぶように調整し、更に、穴付ミラー６１などの穴１６１などの大きさも、実施例１の場合と同一とした。このようにすることで、前段の光路切替機構からの直進光を効率良く、後段の光路切替機構で直進または切替することが可能になる。光路切替機構９２，９３，９７においては、各々の制御光の透過率が０．０ないし０．２％、信号光８５０ｍｎの透過率が８５ないし９９％になるよう調節した。   Here, in the subsequent optical path switching mechanisms 92, 93, and 97 coupled to the straight light from the optical path switching mechanism in the previous stage, as in the case of the optical path switching mechanism in the first embodiment, signal light and The control light is adjusted so as to be focused at a position corresponding to position 5 in FIGS. 7A and 9, that is, a position close to the incident surface of the light absorption layer film of the thermal lens element, and further, a mirror 61 with a hole is provided. The sizes of the holes 161 and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment. By doing in this way, it becomes possible for the straight light from the optical path switching mechanism at the preceding stage to go straight or to be switched by the optical path switching mechanism at the subsequent stage. In the optical path switching mechanisms 92, 93, and 97, the transmittance of each control light was adjusted to 0.0 to 0.2%, and the transmittance of the signal light 850mn was adjusted to 85 to 99%.

一方、前段の光路切替機構からの光路切替光（リング状断面の光）と結合する後段の光路切替機構９４，９５，９６においては、実施例２における光路切替機構１９１の場合と同様に、集光レンズ３１などによって信号光および制御光を図７（ｂ）および図１０の位置６に相当する位置、すなわち、熱レンズ素子の光吸収層膜の出射面に近い位置において焦点を結ぶように調整し、更に、穴付ミラー６１などの穴１６１などの大きさも、実施例２の場合と同一とした。ただし、光路切替機構９４，９５，９６には、前段の光路切替機構から、光路が切り替えられたリング状の信号光２１２，２１１，２１５が各々空間結合されて、リング状のまま入射するため、光路切替機構１９１におけるビーム断面リング化レンズ群３２１（図２ｂ）は設けなかった。一方、収束直進信号光１１９のビーム径を拡大するためのビームエキスパンダー３３１（図２ｂ）は、光路切替機構９４，９５，９６の各々に設けた。   On the other hand, in the optical path switching mechanisms 94, 95, and 96 in the subsequent stage coupled with the optical path switching light (ring-shaped cross-section light) from the optical path switching mechanism in the previous stage, as in the case of the optical path switching mechanism 191 in the second embodiment. The signal light and the control light are adjusted by the optical lens 31 or the like so as to be focused at a position corresponding to the position 6 in FIGS. 7B and 10, that is, at a position close to the emission surface of the light absorption layer film of the thermal lens element. Furthermore, the size of the hole 161 such as the mirror 61 with a hole is the same as that in the second embodiment. However, the ring-shaped signal lights 212, 211, and 215 whose optical paths are switched from the optical path switching mechanism in the previous stage are spatially coupled to the optical path switching mechanisms 94, 95, and 96, respectively, and are incident in a ring shape. The beam section ring lens group 321 (FIG. 2b) in the optical path switching mechanism 191 was not provided. On the other hand, a beam expander 331 (FIG. 2b) for expanding the beam diameter of the converging straight signal light 119 is provided in each of the optical path switching mechanisms 94, 95, and 96.

このようにすることで、前段の光路切替機構からのリング状断面の光路切替光を効率良く、後段の光路切替機構で直進または切替することが可能になる。光路切替機構９４，９５，９６においては、各々の制御光の透過率が１．０ないし５．０％、信号光８５０ｎｍの透過率が８５ないし９９％になるよう調節した。   By doing so, it becomes possible to efficiently switch or switch the optical path switching light of the ring-shaped cross section from the optical path switching mechanism at the front stage by the optical path switching mechanism at the rear stage. In the optical path switching mechanisms 94, 95, and 96, the transmittance of each control light was adjusted to 1.0 to 5.0%, and the transmittance of the signal light 850 nm was adjusted to 85 to 99%.

第３段（最終段）の光路切替機構から出射する直進光１１３，１１４，１１６，１１７については、各々、集光レンズ４０１，４０２，４０３，４０４によって集光され、出射信号光光ファイバー１０１，１０２，１０３，１０４へ入射する。同じく出射する光路切替光２１３，２１４，２１６，２１７については、各々、集光レンズ７３，７４，７５，７６によって集光され、出射信号光光ファイバー１３，１４，１５，１６へ入射する。これら光ファイバーの仕様は、実施例１の場合と同様である。   The straight traveling lights 113, 114, 116, and 117 emitted from the third-stage (final stage) optical path switching mechanism are condensed by the condenser lenses 401, 402, 403, and 404, respectively, and the outgoing signal optical fibers 101 and 102 are collected. , 103, 104. Similarly, the exiting optical path switching lights 213, 214, 216, and 217 are collected by the condenser lenses 73, 74, 75, and 76, and enter the outgoing signal optical fibers 13, 14, 15, and 16, respectively. The specifications of these optical fibers are the same as those in the first embodiment.

本実施例４の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置において、第１ないし３段目の光路切替機構の光応答速度を実施例１の場合と同様にして測定したところ、同様な結果が得られた。   In the optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus of the fourth embodiment, when the optical response speed of the first to third stage optical path switching mechanisms was measured in the same manner as in the first embodiment, similar results were obtained. It was.

本実施例４の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置の耐久性を実施例１の場合と同様にして測定したところ、各光路切替機構とも、各々連続１万時間経過しても、信号光の強度振幅は減衰せず、高い耐久性を確認することができた。   The durability of the optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus of the fourth embodiment was measured in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The strength amplitude was not attenuated, and high durability could be confirmed.

本実施例４の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置の偏波依存性を検証するため、信号光および制御光に１枚の偏光素子を挿入し、偏光角を種々変化させる実験を行ったが、偏波依存性は全く認められなかった。   In order to verify the polarization dependence of the optically controlled optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus of Example 4, an experiment was performed in which one polarization element was inserted into the signal light and the control light, and the polarization angle was variously changed. However, no polarization dependence was observed.

本実施例４の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置の８本の出射信号光間のクロストーク特性を調べるため、表２に示す制御光点灯の組み合わせ８通りの各々の場合について、光ファイバー１３，１４，１５，１６，１０１，１０２，１０３，１０４からの出射光強度を比較したところ、目的とする出射光強度に対するモレ光（クロストーク）強度は１０００ないし８０００：１（−３０ないし３９ｄＢ）と微弱であった。   In order to examine the crosstalk characteristics between the eight outgoing signal lights of the light control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus of the fourth embodiment, the optical fiber 13 is used for each of the eight combinations of control light lighting shown in Table 2. 14, 14, 15, 16, 101, 102, 103, 104, the intensity of the mole light (crosstalk) with respect to the intended output light intensity is 1000 to 8000: 1 (−30 to 39 dB). It was weak.

［実施例５］
図６には、実施例５の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置の概略構成が示されている。本実施例５は、実施例４の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置における空間結合型光路切替機構９１，９２，９３，９４，９５，９６，９７（図２ａまたは図２ｂに相当する）を光ファイバー結合型光路切替機構９１０，９２０，９３０，９４０，９５０，９６０，９７０（全て図３に相当）に置き換えたものである。前記光ファイバー結合型光路切替機構の全てにおいて、実施例１における光路切替機構の場合と同様に、集光レンズ３１などによって信号光および制御光を図７（ａ）および図９の位置５に相当する位置、すなわち、熱レンズ素子の光吸収層膜の入射面に近い位置において焦点を結ぶように調整し、更に、穴付ミラー６１などの穴１６１などの大きさも、実施例１の場合と同一とした。また、前記光ファイバー結合型光路切替機構の全てにおいて、熱レンズ形成素子の構成、材料、および、透過率特性は実施例１の場合と同一とした。個々の光ファイバー結合型光路切替機構を接続する光ファイバーの長さは、一般家庭内、病院内、オフィス内などの用途を想定し、１０ないし１００ｍとした。 [Example 5]
FIG. 6 shows a schematic configuration of an optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. The fifth embodiment is a spatially coupled optical path switching mechanism 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97 (corresponding to FIG. 2a or FIG. 2b) in the optical control type optical path switching optical signal transmission apparatus of the fourth embodiment. Is replaced with an optical fiber coupling type optical path switching mechanism 910, 920, 930, 940, 950, 960, 970 (all corresponding to FIG. 3). In all of the optical fiber coupling type optical path switching mechanisms, as in the optical path switching mechanism in the first embodiment, the signal light and the control light are equivalent to the position 5 in FIGS. The position is adjusted so as to focus at a position close to the incident surface of the light absorption layer film of the thermal lens element, and the size of the hole 161 such as the holed mirror 61 is also the same as in the case of the first embodiment. did. In all the optical fiber coupling type optical path switching mechanisms, the configuration, material, and transmittance characteristics of the thermal lens forming element were the same as those in the first embodiment. The length of the optical fiber connecting the individual optical fiber coupling type optical path switching mechanisms is set to 10 to 100 m assuming applications in general homes, hospitals, offices, and the like.

光ファイバー結合に基づく制御光のロスを補うために制御光光源２１，２２，２３の出力を高めることによって、全段の光路切替機構において、熱レンズ形成素子に入射する制御光のパワーが２ないし５ｍＷになるよう調整した。また、信号光光源の出力も、８つの出射信号光が各々充分なパワーになるよう調節した。   By increasing the output of the control light sources 21, 22, and 23 to compensate for the loss of control light due to optical fiber coupling, the power of the control light incident on the thermal lens forming element is 2 to 5 mW in all stages of the optical path switching mechanism. It was adjusted to become. The output of the signal light source was also adjusted so that each of the eight outgoing signal lights had sufficient power.

第３段目の光路切替機構９３０、９４０，９６０，９７０の直進出射信号光は、光ファイバーとコリメートレンズを経由して各々受光器１０１３，１０１４，１０１６，１０１７へ入射させ、光路切替された信号光は、光ファイバーとコリメートレンズを経由して各々受光器２０１３，２０１４，２０１６，２０１７へ入射させた。   The linearly emitted signal light of the third-stage optical path switching mechanisms 930, 940, 960, and 970 is incident on the light receivers 1013, 1014, 1016, and 1017 through the optical fiber and the collimator lens, respectively, and the optical paths are switched. Were respectively incident on the light receivers 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017 via an optical fiber and a collimating lens.

表３に本実施例５における３種類の制御光１２１，１２２，１２３の同時点灯の組み合わせと信号光出射先受光器の対応関係をまとめて示す。   Table 3 summarizes the correspondence relationship between the simultaneous lighting of the three types of control lights 121, 122, and 123 and the signal light output receiver in the fifth embodiment.

Figure 0003906926
Figure 0003906926

本実施例５の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置の光応答速度、耐久性、偏波依存性、および、クロストークについて実施例４の場合と同様に測定し、同等ないし同等以上の結果を得た。   The optical response speed, durability, polarization dependency, and crosstalk of the optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus of the fifth embodiment were measured in the same manner as in the fourth embodiment, and the results were equivalent or equivalent or better. Got.

光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置および光信号光路切替方法は、例えば、企業のオフィス、工場、病院、一般家庭などにおいて、高精細画像データおよび高精細動画データなどの大容量デジタル情報を、サーバーから複数のクライアントの特定の１箇所へ、高速に配信するシステムにおいて好適に使用される。   Optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission device and optical signal optical path switching method, for example, large-capacity digital information such as high-definition image data and high-definition video data in a corporate office, factory, hospital, general home, etc. It is preferably used in a system that delivers from a server to a specific location of a plurality of clients at high speed.

実施例１の光路切替機構を省略せずに表記した光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置の概略構成図である。It is a schematic block diagram of the optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission device described without omitting the optical path switching mechanism of the first embodiment. 実施例１の光路切替機構を記号化して簡略表記した光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置の概略構成図である。BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an optical control type optical path switching optical signal transmission device that is simply expressed by symbolizing an optical path switching mechanism according to a first embodiment. 空間結合型の光路切替機構の概略構成図を記号化して簡略表記することを示した図である。FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a simplified configuration of a schematic configuration diagram of a space coupling type optical path switching mechanism. 空間結合型の光路切替機構の概略構成図を記号化して簡略表記することを示した図である。FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a simplified configuration of a schematic configuration diagram of a space coupling type optical path switching mechanism. 光ファイバー結合型の光路切替機構の概略構成図を記号化して簡略表記することを示した図である。FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a simplified configuration of a schematic configuration diagram of an optical fiber coupling type optical path switching mechanism. 実施例２の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置の概略構成図を記号化して簡略表示した図である。It is the figure which symbolized and displayed the schematic block diagram of the optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus of Example 2 symbolically. 実施例４の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置の概略構成図を記号化して簡略表示した図である。FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically illustrating a schematic configuration diagram of an optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission device according to a fourth embodiment. 実施例５の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置の概略構成図を記号化して簡略表示した図である。FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically illustrating a schematic configuration diagram of an optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission device according to a fifth embodiment. 熱レンズが形成されない場合の光の進み方を示した図である。It is the figure which showed how the light advances when a thermal lens is not formed. ビームウエストの位置を光吸収層膜のビーム入射側近傍（ａ）または出射側近傍（ｂ）に調整した場合において熱レンズが形成された場合の光の進み方を示した図である。It is the figure which showed how a light progresses when a thermal lens is formed when the position of a beam waist is adjusted to the beam entrance side vicinity (a) or the exit side vicinity (b) of a light absorption layer film. ビームウエストの位置を光吸収層膜のビーム入射側近傍に調整した場合における光路切替の原理を示した模式図である。It is the schematic diagram which showed the principle of the optical path switching at the time of adjusting the position of a beam waist to the beam entrance side vicinity of a light absorption layer film. ビームウエストの位置を光吸収層膜のビーム出射側近傍に調整した場合における光路切替の原理を示した模式図である。It is the schematic diagram which showed the principle of the optical path switching at the time of adjusting the position of a beam waist to the beam emission side vicinity of a light absorption layer film. 熱レンズ形成素子の構成例を例示した断面図である。It is sectional drawing which illustrated the example of a structure of the thermal lens formation element. 熱レンズ形成素子の構成例を例示した断面図である。It is sectional drawing which illustrated the example of a structure of the thermal lens formation element. 信号光ビーム断面の光強度分布測定に用いたスリットと光ビームとの関係を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the relationship between the slit used for the light intensity distribution measurement of a signal light beam cross section, and a light beam. 集光レンズなどで収束されたガウスビームの焦点近傍における様子を表した模式図である。It is the model showing the mode in the focus vicinity of the Gaussian beam converged by the condensing lens etc. オシロスコープで観察した制御光および信号光の波形を表した図である。It is a figure showing the waveform of control light and signal light observed with an oscilloscope. オシロスコープで観察した制御光および信号光の波形を表した図である。It is a figure showing the waveform of control light and signal light observed with an oscilloscope. 制御光を断続する周波数と光路切替された信号光の強度（振幅）の関係を表した図である。It is a figure showing the relationship between the frequency which interrupts control light, and the intensity | strength (amplitude) of the signal light by which the optical path was switched. 信号光のビーム断面の光強度分布を表した図である。It is a figure showing the light intensity distribution of the beam cross section of signal light. 信号光のビーム断面の光強度分布を表した図である。It is a figure showing the light intensity distribution of the beam cross section of signal light. 信号光のビーム断面の光強度分布を表した図である。It is a figure showing the light intensity distribution of the beam cross section of signal light. 色素溶液充填式熱レンズ形成素子を例示した模式図である。It is the schematic diagram which illustrated the dye solution filling type | mold thermal lens formation element. 色素〔１〕、〔２〕および〔３〕の溶液の透過率スペクトルを各々実線、鎖線および一点鎖線で表した図である。It is the figure which represented the transmittance | permeability spectrum of the solution of pigment | dye [1], [2], and [3] with the continuous line, the chain line, and the dashed-dotted line, respectively.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１，２，３ 熱レンズ形成素子、５，６ ビームウエスト（焦光点）、１０ 信号光および制御光を光ファイバーへ入射させるための集光レンズ、１１，１２，１３，１４，１５，１６ 出射信号光の光ファイバー、２０ 信号光光源、２１，２２，２３ 制御光光源、３０ コリメートレンズ、３１，３２，３３ 集光レンズ、４１，４２，４３ 受光レンズ、５０ 入射側熱レンズ、５１，５２，５３ ダイクロイックミラー、６０ 出射側熱レンズ、６１，６２，６３ 穴付ミラー、７１，７２，７３，７４，７５，７６ リング状出射信号光用集光レンズ、８１，８２，８３ 波長選択透過フィルター、９１，９２，９３，９４，９５，９６，９７ 空間結合型光路切替機構、１００ 信号光および制御光伝送のための光ファイバー、１０１，１０２，１０３，１０４ 出射信号光の光ファイバー、１１０ コリメートされた入射信号光および入射制御光、１１１，１１２，１１３，１１４，１１５，１１６，１１７ 直進信号光、１１８ 漏れ信号光、１１９ 収束直進信号光、１２０ 信号光、１２１，１２２，１２３ 制御光、１６１ 穴付ミラーの穴、１９１ 空間結合型光路切替機構、２００ 通常の開き角度の出射信号光、２０１ リング状に拡がる出射信号光、２１１，２１２，２１３，２１４，２１５，２１６，２１７ 光路切替後の出射信号光、３００ 波面、３０１ 焦点（集光点）、３１０ 直進出射信号光の集光レンズ、３１１ コリメートレンズ、３２１ ビーム断面リング化レンズ群、３３１ ビームエキスパンダー、４０１，４０２，４０３，４０４ 直進出射信号光の集光レンズ、５００ 熱レンズ形成素子、５０１ 伝熱層膜、５０２ 伝熱層膜、５０３ 光吸収膜、５０４ 光吸収膜、５０５ 熱レンズ形成層、５０６ 光透過層、５０７ 屈折率分布型レンズ、５０８ 信号光、５０９ 制御光、６００ 熱レンズ形成素子、６０１ 伝熱層膜、６０２ 伝熱層膜、６０３ 光吸収膜、６０４ 光吸収膜、６０５ 熱レンズ形成層、６０８ 信号光、６０９ 制御光、６１０ 集光レンズ、７００ 光強度分布測定器、７０１ 受光部、７０２ 第一のスリット、７０３ 第二のスリット、７１０ 点、７１１ コリメートレンズ、７２０ 点、８００ 色素溶液充填式熱レンズ形成素子、８０１，８０２ 入射・出射面ガラス、８０３，８０４ 側面ガラス、８０５ 底面ガラス、８０６ 導入管、８０７ 導入口、８０８ 色素溶液充填部、８０９ 光学セル、９１０，９２０，９３０，９４０，９５０，９６０，９７０ 光ファイバー結合系を含む光路切替機構、１００１ 伝熱層膜、１００２ 光吸収層膜、１００３ 伝熱層膜、１０１３，１０１４，１０１６，１０１７ 受光器、１１１０，１１２０，１１３０，１１４０，１１５０，１１６０，１１７０ コリメートされた光ファイバー出射光、１２１０ 制御光の波形、１２２０ 信号光の波形、２０１３，２０１４，２０１６，２０１７ 受光器、２１１０，２１２０，２１３０，２１４０，２１５０，２１６０，２１７０ コリメートされた光ファイバー出射光。

1, 2, 3 Thermal lens forming element, 5, 6 Beam waist (focal point), 10 Condensing lens for allowing signal light and control light to enter the optical fiber, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 Optical fiber for signal light, 20 signal light source, 21, 22, 23 control light source, 30 collimating lens, 31, 32, 33 condensing lens, 41, 42, 43 light receiving lens, 50 incident side thermal lens, 51, 52, 53 dichroic mirror, 60 exit-side thermal lens, 61, 62, 63 mirror with hole, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76 condensing lens for ring-shaped exit signal light, 81, 82, 83 wavelength selective transmission filter, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97 Spatial coupling type optical path switching mechanism, 100 Optical fibers for signal light and control light transmission, 101, 102, 10 , 104 Optical fiber of outgoing signal light, 110 Collimated incident signal light and incident control light, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117 Straight signal light, 118 Leak signal light, 119 Convergent straight signal light, 120 signal Light, 121, 122, 123 Control light, 161 Hole of mirror with hole, 191 Spatial coupling type optical path switching mechanism, 200 Output signal light with normal opening angle, 201 Output signal light spreading in a ring shape, 211, 212, 213 214, 215, 216, 217 Output signal light after switching the optical path, 300 wavefront, 301 focal point (condensing point), 310 Condensing lens of straight output signal light, 311 Collimator lens, 321 Beam section ring lens group, 331 beam Expander, 401, 402, 403, 404 Condensing lens of straight outgoing signal light, 500 heat Control element, 501 heat transfer layer film, 502 heat transfer layer film, 503 light absorption film, 504 light absorption film, 505 heat lens formation layer, 506 light transmission layer, 507 gradient index lens, 508 signal light, 509 control Light, 600 Thermal lens forming element, 601 Heat transfer layer film, 602 Heat transfer layer film, 603 Light absorption film, 604 Light absorption film, 605 Thermal lens formation layer, 608 Signal light, 609 Control light, 610 Condensing lens, 700 Light intensity distribution measuring device, 701 light receiving unit, 702 first slit, 703 second slit, 710 points, 711 collimating lens, 720 points, 800 dye solution filled thermal lens forming element, 801, 802 entrance / exit surface glass , 803, 804 side glass, 805 bottom glass, 806 inlet tube, 807 inlet, 808 dye solution filling part, 809 optical cell, 910, 20, 930, 940, 950, 960, 970 Optical path switching mechanism including optical fiber coupling system, 1001 heat transfer layer film, 1002 light absorption layer film, 1003 heat transfer layer film, 1013, 1014, 1016, 1017 1120, 1130, 1140, 1150, 1160, 1170 Collimated optical fiber output light, 1210 Control light waveform, 1220 Signal light waveform, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017 Light receiver, 2110, 2120, 2130, 2140, 2150, 2160, 2170 Collimated optical fiber output light.

Claims (16)

１種類以上の波長の信号光を照射する信号光光源と、
前記信号光とは異なる２種類以上の波長の制御光を照射する制御光光源と、
前記信号光は透過し、前記制御光の特定の１種類の波長のみを各々選択的に吸収する２つ以上の光吸収層膜と、
前記光吸収層膜の１つ１つに前記制御光と前記信号光とを各々収束させて照射する手段と、
前記光吸収層膜を含み、前記光吸収層膜が前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光を吸収した領域およびその周辺領域に起こる温度上昇に起因して可逆的に生ずる屈折率の分布に基づいた熱レンズを用いることによって、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光の照射の有無に応じ、前記収束された信号光を収束させたまま出射する、または、信号光の開き角度を可変させて出射する２つ以上の熱レンズ形成素子と、
前記各熱レンズ形成素子の各々後方に設けられた、穴と反射手段とを有する鏡であって、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光の照射の有無に応じて、前記熱レンズ形成素子を出射した信号光を前記穴に通過させ、または、前記反射手段により反射させることによって光路を変化させる鏡と、
を備えることを特徴とする光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置。 A signal light source that emits signal light of one or more wavelengths;
A control light source that emits control light having two or more wavelengths different from the signal light;
Two or more light absorption layer films that transmit the signal light and selectively absorb only one specific type of wavelength of the control light; and
Means for converging and irradiating the control light and the signal light to each of the light absorption layer films;
Based on a refractive index distribution that reversibly occurs due to a temperature rise that occurs in a region where the light absorbing layer film absorbs the control light of the specific one type of wavelength and its peripheral region. By using a thermal lens, the converged signal light is emitted while being converged or the opening angle of the signal light is varied according to the presence or absence of the control light of the specific one type of wavelength. Two or more thermal lens forming elements that emit;
Each of the thermal lens forming elements is a mirror having a hole and a reflection means provided at the back of each of the thermal lens forming elements, wherein the thermal lens forming element is changed depending on whether or not the control light of the specific one type of wavelength is irradiated. A mirror that changes the optical path by allowing the emitted signal light to pass through the hole or reflected by the reflecting means;
An optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission device comprising: １種類以上の波長の信号光を照射する信号光光源と、
前記信号光とは異なる２種類以上の波長の制御光を照射する制御光光源と、
前記信号光は透過し、前記制御光の特定の１種類の波長のみを各々選択的に吸収する２つ以上の光吸収層膜と、
前記光吸収層膜の１つ１つに前記制御光と前記信号光とを各々収束させて照射する手段と、
熱レンズ形成素子と穴を有する鏡の組み合わせからなる２組以上の光路切替機構と、を備え、
前記熱レンズ形成素子は、前記光吸収層膜を含み、前記光吸収層膜が前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光を吸収した領域およびその周辺領域に起こる温度上昇に起因して可逆的に生ずる屈折率の分布に基づいた熱レンズを用いることによって、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されず熱レンズが形成されない場合は前記収束された信号光が通常の開き角度で出射され、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されて前記光吸収層膜の入射面近傍に熱レンズが形成される場合は前記収束された信号光が通常の開き角度よりも大きい開き角度で出射され、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光の照射の有無に応じて出射される前記信号光の開き角度を変更させる熱レンズ形成素子であり、
前記穴を有する鏡は、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されず熱レンズが形成されない場合に、通常の開き角度で前記熱レンズ形成素子から出射する前記信号光をそのまま、または、受光レンズによって前記開き角度を変更させた信号光のいずれかを、通過させる穴と、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されて前記光吸収層膜の入射面近傍に熱レンズが形成される場合に、通常よりも大きい開き角度で前記熱レンズ形成素子から拡がりながら出射する前記信号光をそのまま、または、前記受光レンズによって前記開き角度を変更させた信号光のいずれかを、反射する反射手段と、を有し光路を変更させる鏡である光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置。 A signal light source that emits signal light of one or more wavelengths;
A control light source that emits control light having two or more wavelengths different from the signal light;
Two or more light absorption layer films that transmit the signal light and selectively absorb only one specific type of wavelength of the control light; and
Means for converging and irradiating the control light and the signal light to each of the light absorption layer films;
Two or more sets of optical path switching mechanisms composed of a combination of a thermal lens forming element and a mirror having a hole,
The thermal lens forming element includes the light absorbing layer film, and the light absorbing layer film is reversibly caused by a temperature rise occurring in a region where the control light of the specific one type of wavelength is absorbed and its peripheral region. By using a thermal lens based on the generated refractive index distribution, the converged signal light is emitted at a normal opening angle when the control light of the one specific wavelength is not irradiated and a thermal lens is not formed. In the case where a thermal lens is formed in the vicinity of the incident surface of the light absorption layer film by being irradiated with the control light having one specific wavelength, the converged signal light has an opening angle larger than a normal opening angle. It is a thermal lens forming element that changes the opening angle of the signal light that is emitted and emitted according to the presence or absence of irradiation of the control light of the specific one type of wavelength,
When the mirror having the hole is not irradiated with the control light of the specific one type of wavelength and the thermal lens is not formed, the signal light emitted from the thermal lens forming element at a normal opening angle is left as it is, or A thermal lens is formed in the vicinity of the incident surface of the light-absorbing layer film by irradiating the control light having one specific wavelength with the hole through which the signal light whose opening angle is changed by the light receiving lens is passed. In this case, the signal light emitted while spreading from the thermal lens forming element with an opening angle larger than normal is reflected as it is or the signal light whose opening angle is changed by the light receiving lens is reflected. A light control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission device which is a mirror having a reflecting means and changing an optical path. １種類以上の波長の信号光を照射する信号光光源と、
前記信号光とは異なる２種類以上の波長の制御光を照射する制御光光源と、
前記信号光は透過し、前記制御光の特定の１種類の波長のみを各々選択的に吸収する２つ以上の光吸収層膜と、
前記光吸収層膜の１つ１つに前記制御光と前記信号光とを各々収束させて照射する手段と、
熱レンズ形成素子と穴を有する鏡の組み合わせからなる２組以上の光路切替機構と、を備え、
前記熱レンズ形成素子は、前記光吸収層膜を含み、前記光吸収層膜が前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光を吸収した領域およびその周辺領域に起こる温度上昇に起因して可逆的に生ずる屈折率の分布に基づいた熱レンズを用いることによって、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されて前記光吸収層膜の出射面近傍に熱レンズが形成される場合は前記収束された信号光が収束されたまま出射され、制御光が照射されず熱レンズが形成されない場合は前記収束された信号光が通常の開き角度で出射され、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光の照射の有無に応じて出射される前記信号光の開き角度を変更させる熱レンズ形成素子であり、
前記穴を有する鏡は、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されて前記光吸収層膜の出射面近傍に熱レンズが形成される場合に、収束されたまま前記熱レンズ形成素子から出射する前記収束された信号光を通過させる穴と、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されず熱レンズが形成されない場合に、通常の開き角度で前記熱レンズ形成素子から出射する前記信号光をそのまま、または、前記開き角度を変更させるために設けられた受光レンズを透過させた信号光のいずれかを反射させる反射手段と、を有し光路を変更させる鏡である光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置。 A signal light source that emits signal light of one or more wavelengths;
A control light source that emits control light having two or more wavelengths different from the signal light;
Two or more light absorption layer films that transmit the signal light and selectively absorb only one specific type of wavelength of the control light; and
Means for converging and irradiating the control light and the signal light to each of the light absorption layer films;
Two or more sets of optical path switching mechanisms composed of a combination of a thermal lens forming element and a mirror having a hole,
The thermal lens forming element includes the light absorbing layer film, and the light absorbing layer film is reversibly caused by a temperature rise occurring in a region where the control light of the specific one type of wavelength is absorbed and its peripheral region. By using a thermal lens based on the generated refractive index distribution, when the control lens having the specific one type of wavelength is irradiated and a thermal lens is formed in the vicinity of the exit surface of the light absorption layer film, the thermal lens is converged. If the control light is emitted without being irradiated and the thermal lens is not formed, the converged signal light is emitted at a normal opening angle, and the control light of the specific one type of wavelength is emitted. A thermal lens forming element that changes the opening angle of the signal light emitted according to the presence or absence of irradiation,
When the mirror having the hole is irradiated with the control light of the specific one type of wavelength and a thermal lens is formed in the vicinity of the emission surface of the light absorption layer film, the mirror is kept converged from the thermal lens forming element. The hole for passing the converged signal light to be emitted, and the thermal lens forming element at a normal opening angle when the control light of the specific one type of wavelength is not irradiated and a thermal lens is not formed Reflecting means for reflecting either the signal light as it is or the signal light transmitted through the light receiving lens provided to change the opening angle, and a light control type optical path that is a mirror that changes the optical path Switchable optical signal transmission device. １種類以上の波長の信号光を照射する信号光光源と、
前記信号光とは異なる２種類以上の波長の制御光を制御する制御光光源と、
前記信号光は透過し、前記制御光の特定の１種類の波長のみを各々選択的に吸収する２つ以上の光吸収層膜と、
前記光吸収層膜の１つ１つに前記制御光と前記信号光とを各々収束させて照射する手段と、
第１の熱レンズ形成素子と第１の穴を有する鏡との組み合わせからなる１組以上の第１の光路切替機構と、
第２の熱レンズ形成素子と第２の穴を有する鏡との組み合わせからなる１組以上の第２の光路切替機構と、を備え、
第１の熱レンズ形成素子は、前記光吸収層膜を含み、前記光吸収層膜が前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光を吸収した領域およびその周辺領域に起こる温度上昇に起因して可逆的に生ずる屈折率の分布に基づいた熱レンズを用いることによって、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されず熱レンズが形成されない場合は前記収束された信号光が通常の開き角度で出射され、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されて前記光吸収層膜の入射面近傍に熱レンズが形成される場合は前記収束された信号光が通常の開き角度よりも大きい開き角度で出射され、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光の照射の有無に応じて出射される前記信号光の開き角度を変更させる熱レンズ形成素子であり、
第１の穴を有する鏡は、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されず熱レンズが形成されない場合に、通常の開き角度で前記熱レンズ形成素子から出射する前記信号光をそのまま、または、受光レンズによって前記開き角度を変更させた信号光のいずれかを、通過させる穴と、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されて前記光吸収層膜の入射面近傍に熱レンズが形成される場合に、通常よりも大きい開き角度で前記熱レンズ形成素子から拡がりながら出射する前記信号光をそのまま、または、前記受光レンズによって前記開き角度を変更させた信号光のいずれかを、反射する反射手段と、を有し光路を変更させる鏡であり、
第２の熱レンズ形成素子は、前記光吸収層膜を含み、前記光吸収層膜が前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光を吸収した領域およびその周辺領域に起こる温度上昇に起因して可逆的に生ずる屈折率の分布に基づいた熱レンズを用いることによって、制御光が照射されて前記光吸収層膜の出射面近傍に熱レンズが形成される場合は前記収束された信号光が収束されたまま出射され、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されず熱レンズが形成されない場合は前記収束された信号光が通常の開き角度で出射され、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光の照射の有無に応じて出射される前記信号光の開き角度を変更させる熱レンズ形成素子であり、
第２の穴を有する鏡は、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されて前記光吸収層膜の出射面近傍に熱レンズが形成される場合に、収束されたまま前記熱レンズ形成素子から出射する前記収束された信号光を通過させる穴と、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されず熱レンズが形成されない場合に、通常の開き角度で前記熱レンズ形成素子から出射する前記信号光をそのまま、または、前記開き角度を変更させるために設けられた受光レンズを透過させた信号光のいずれかを反射させる反射手段と、を有し光路を変更させる鏡である光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置。 A signal light source that emits signal light of one or more wavelengths;
A control light source for controlling control light having two or more wavelengths different from the signal light;
Two or more light absorption layer films that transmit the signal light and selectively absorb only one specific type of wavelength of the control light; and
Means for converging and irradiating the control light and the signal light to each of the light absorption layer films;
One or more first optical path switching mechanisms comprising a combination of a first thermal lens forming element and a mirror having a first hole;
One or more second optical path switching mechanisms comprising a combination of a second thermal lens forming element and a mirror having a second hole,
The first thermal lens forming element includes the light absorption layer film, and the light absorption layer film is reversible due to a temperature increase occurring in a region where the control light of the specific one type of wavelength is absorbed and in a peripheral region thereof. By using a thermal lens based on a refractive index distribution that occurs in a specific manner, when the control light of the specific one type of wavelength is not irradiated and a thermal lens is not formed, the converged signal light has a normal opening angle. When the thermal lens is formed in the vicinity of the incident surface of the light absorption layer film by being emitted and irradiated with the control light of the specific one type of wavelength, the converged signal light has an opening larger than a normal opening angle. A thermal lens forming element that changes an opening angle of the signal light emitted at an angle and emitted according to the presence or absence of irradiation of the control light of the specific one type of wavelength;
When the mirror having the first hole is not irradiated with the control light of the specific one type of wavelength and a thermal lens is not formed, the signal light emitted from the thermal lens forming element at a normal opening angle is left as it is. Alternatively, a thermal lens is irradiated in the vicinity of the incident surface of the light absorption layer film by irradiating the control light having one specific wavelength with the hole through which the signal light whose opening angle is changed by the light receiving lens is passed. The signal light emitted while spreading from the thermal lens forming element at an opening angle larger than normal, or the signal light whose opening angle is changed by the light receiving lens, A reflecting means for reflecting, and a mirror for changing the optical path,
The second thermal lens forming element includes the light absorption layer film, and the light absorption layer film is reversible due to a temperature rise occurring in a region where the control light of the specific one type of wavelength is absorbed and its peripheral region. When the control lens is irradiated to form a thermal lens near the exit surface of the light absorption layer film, the converged signal light is converged. When the control light of the specific one type of wavelength is not irradiated and the thermal lens is not formed, the converged signal light is output at a normal opening angle, and the control of the specific one type of wavelength is performed. A thermal lens forming element that changes the opening angle of the signal light emitted according to the presence or absence of light irradiation,
When the mirror having the second hole is irradiated with the control light of the specific one type of wavelength and a thermal lens is formed in the vicinity of the exit surface of the light absorption layer film, the thermal lens is formed while being converged. A hole through which the converged signal light emitted from the element passes, and when the thermal lens is not formed without being irradiated with the control light of the specific one type of wavelength, is emitted from the thermal lens forming element at a normal opening angle. The optical control is a mirror that changes the optical path of the signal light as it is or the reflection means that reflects either the signal light transmitted through the light receiving lens provided to change the opening angle. Type optical path switching type optical signal transmission device. ２組以上の前記光路切替機構が、空間を介して直接、または、光ファイバー結合系を介して、直列に連結されていることを特徴とする請求項２に記載の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置。   3. The optically controlled optical path switching optical signal according to claim 2, wherein the two or more sets of optical path switching mechanisms are connected in series directly through a space or via an optical fiber coupling system. Transmission equipment. ２組以上の前記光路切替機構が、空間を介して直接、または、光ファイバー結合系を介して、直列に連結されていることを特徴とする請求項３に記載の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置。   The optically controlled optical path switching type optical signal according to claim 3, wherein the two or more sets of optical path switching mechanisms are connected in series directly through a space or via an optical fiber coupling system. Transmission equipment. ２組以上の前記光路切替機構が、空間を介して直接、または、光ファイバー結合系を介して、直列に連結されていることを特徴とする請求項４に記載の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置。   5. The optically controlled optical path switching optical signal according to claim 4, wherein the two or more sets of optical path switching mechanisms are connected in series directly through a space or via an optical fiber coupling system. Transmission equipment. ３組以上の前記光路切替機構が、空間を介して直接、または、光ファイバー結合系を介して、連結の１段毎に前記鏡の穴を通って直進する方向と反射する方向の２方向に分岐し、多段に連結されていることを特徴とする請求項２に記載の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置。   Three or more sets of the optical path switching mechanisms branch in two directions, that is, straight through the space or reflected through the mirror hole for each stage of the connection, directly through the space or through the optical fiber coupling system. 3. The optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the optical control type optical signal transmission apparatus is connected in multiple stages. ３組以上の前記光路切替機構が、空間を介して直接、または、光ファイバー結合系を介して、連結の１段毎に前記鏡の穴を通って直進する方向と反射する方向の２方向に分岐し、多段に連結されていることを特徴とする請求項３に記載の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置。   Three or more sets of the optical path switching mechanisms branch in two directions, that is, straight through the space or reflected through the mirror hole for each stage of the connection, directly through the space or through the optical fiber coupling system. 4. The optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission device according to claim 3, wherein the optical signal transmission type optical signal transmission device is connected in multiple stages. ３組以上の前記光路切替機構が、空間を介して直接、または、光ファイバー結合系を介して、連結の１段毎に前記鏡の穴を通って直進する方向と反射する方向の２方向に分岐し、多段に連結されていることを特徴とする請求項４に記載の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置。   Three or more sets of the optical path switching mechanisms branch in two directions, that is, straight through the space or reflected through the mirror hole for each stage of the connection, directly through the space or through the optical fiber coupling system. 5. The optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission device according to claim 4, wherein the optical control type optical signal transmission device is connected in multiple stages. １種類以上の波長の信号光と、前記信号光とは異なる２種類以上の波長の制御光とを、実質的に同軸かつ同方向に進行させ、
前記信号光は透過し、前記制御光の特定の１種類の波長のみを各々選択的に吸収する２つ以上の光吸収層膜の１つ１つに前記制御光と前記信号光とを各々収束させて照射し、
前記光吸収層膜を含む２つ以上の熱レンズ形成素子の個々において、前記光吸収層膜が前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光を吸収した領域およびその周辺領域に起こる温度上昇に起因して可逆的に生ずる屈折率の分布に基づいた熱レンズを用いることによって、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光の照射の有無に応じ、前記収束された信号光を収束させたまま出射させ、または、信号光の開き角度を可変させて出射させ、
反射面を有する穴付ミラーを用い、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光の照射の有無に応じて、前記熱レンズ形成素子から出射した信号光を前記穴から通過直進させ、または、反射面で反射させることによって光路を変更させることを特徴とする光信号光路切替方法。 A signal light of one or more types of wavelengths and a control light of two or more types of wavelengths different from the signal light are allowed to travel substantially coaxially and in the same direction;
The control light and the signal light are respectively converged on each of two or more light absorption layer films that transmit the signal light and selectively absorb only one specific wavelength of the control light. Let it irradiate,
In each of two or more thermal lens forming elements including the light absorption layer film, the light absorption layer film is caused by a temperature rise that occurs in a region where the control light of the specific one type of wavelength is absorbed and its peripheral region. By using a thermal lens based on a refractive index distribution reversibly generated, the converged signal light is emitted while being converged according to the presence or absence of the control light of the specific one type of wavelength, Alternatively, the signal light can be emitted with a variable opening angle,
Using a mirror with a hole having a reflective surface, the signal light emitted from the thermal lens forming element passes straight through the hole in accordance with the presence or absence of the control light having the specific one type of wavelength, or the reflective surface An optical signal optical path switching method, wherein the optical path is changed by reflecting the optical path. １種類以上の波長の信号光と、前記信号光とは異なる２種類以上の波長の制御光とを、実質的に同軸かつ同方向に進行させ、
前記信号光は透過し、前記制御光の特定の１種類の波長のみを各々選択的に吸収する２つ以上の光吸収層膜の１つ１つに前記制御光と前記信号光とを各々収束させて照射し、
前記光吸収層膜を含む２つ以上の熱レンズ形成素子の個々において、前記光吸収層膜が前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光を吸収した領域およびその周辺領域に起こる温度上昇に起因して可逆的に生ずる屈折率の分布に基づいた熱レンズを用いることによって、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されず前記光吸収層膜の入射面近傍に熱レンズが形成されない場合は前記収束された信号光が通常の開き角度で前記熱レンズ形成素子から出射され、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されて熱レンズが形成される場合は前記収束された信号光が通常の開き角度よりも大きい開き角度で前記熱レンズ形成素子から出射され、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光の照射の有無に応じて出射される前記信号光の開き角度を変更させ、
前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されず熱レンズが形成されない場合は、通常の開き角度で前記熱レンズ形成素子から出射する前記信号光をそのまま、または、受光レンズによって前記開き角度を変更させた信号光のいずれかを、穴付ミラーの穴に通過させ直進させ、
一方、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されて前記光吸収層膜の入射面近傍に熱レンズが形成される場合は、通常よりも大きい開き角度で前記熱レンズ形成素子から拡がりながら出射する前記信号光をそのまま、あるいは、受光レンズによって前記開き角度を変更させた信号光のいずれかを、前記穴付ミラーの反射面を用いて反射することによって光路を変更させることを特徴とする光信号光路切替方法。 A signal light of one or more types of wavelengths and a control light of two or more types of wavelengths different from the signal light are allowed to travel substantially coaxially and in the same direction;
The control light and the signal light are respectively converged on each of two or more light absorption layer films that transmit the signal light and selectively absorb only one specific wavelength of the control light. Let it irradiate,
In each of two or more thermal lens forming elements including the light absorption layer film, the light absorption layer film is caused by a temperature rise that occurs in a region where the control light of the specific one type of wavelength is absorbed and its peripheral region. When a thermal lens based on a refractive index distribution that is reversibly generated is used, the thermal lens is not formed in the vicinity of the incident surface of the light absorption layer film without being irradiated with the control light of the specific one type of wavelength. When the converged signal light is emitted from the thermal lens forming element at a normal opening angle and the thermal lens is formed by irradiation with the control light of the specific one type of wavelength, the converged signal light is Changing the opening angle of the signal light emitted from the thermal lens forming element at an opening angle larger than a normal opening angle and emitted depending on the presence or absence of the control light of the specific one type of wavelength,
When the control lens having one specific wavelength is not irradiated and a thermal lens is not formed, the signal light emitted from the thermal lens forming element at a normal opening angle is left as it is or the opening angle is set by a light receiving lens. Pass any of the changed signal light through the hole in the mirror with holes,
On the other hand, when a thermal lens is formed in the vicinity of the incident surface of the light absorbing layer film by being irradiated with the control light having one specific type of wavelength, it spreads from the thermal lens forming element with a larger opening angle than usual. The optical path is changed by reflecting either the emitted signal light as it is or the signal light whose opening angle is changed by a light receiving lens using a reflecting surface of the holed mirror. Optical signal path switching method. １種類以上の波長の信号光と、前記信号光とは異なる２種類以上の波長の制御光とを、実質的に同軸かつ同方向に進行させ、
前記信号光は透過し、前記制御光の特定の１種類の波長のみを各々選択的に吸収する２つ以上の光吸収層膜の１つ１つに前記制御光と前記信号光とを各々収束させて照射し、
前記光吸収層膜を含む２つ以上の熱レンズ形成素子の個々において、前記光吸収層膜が前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光を吸収した領域およびその周辺領域に起こる温度上昇に起因して可逆的に生ずる屈折率の分布に基づいた熱レンズを用いることによって、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されて前記光吸収層膜の出射面近傍に熱レンズが形成される場合は前記収束された信号光が収束されたまま前記熱レンズ形成素子から出射され、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されず熱レンズが形成されない場合は前記収束された信号光が通常の開き角度で前記熱レンズ形成素子から出射され、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光の照射の有無に応じて出射される前記信号光の開き角度を変更させ、
前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されて前記光吸収層膜の出射面近傍に熱レンズが形成される場合は、収束されたまま前記熱レンズ形成素子から出射する前記収束された信号光を、穴付ミラーの穴に通過させ直進させ、
一方、前記特定の１種類の波長の制御光が照射されず熱レンズが形成されない場合は、通常の開き角度で前記熱レンズ形成素子から出射する前記信号光の光路をそのまま、または、受光レンズによって前記開き角度を変更させた信号光のいずれかを、前記穴付ミラーの反射面を用いて反射させることによって光路を変更させることを特徴とする光信号光路切替方法。 A signal light of one or more types of wavelengths and a control light of two or more types of wavelengths different from the signal light are allowed to travel substantially coaxially and in the same direction;
The control light and the signal light are respectively converged on each of two or more light absorption layer films that transmit the signal light and selectively absorb only one specific wavelength of the control light. Let it irradiate,
In each of two or more thermal lens forming elements including the light absorption layer film, the light absorption layer film is caused by a temperature rise that occurs in a region where the control light of the specific one type of wavelength is absorbed and its peripheral region. When a thermal lens is formed in the vicinity of the exit surface of the light absorption layer film by using the thermal lens based on the refractive index distribution reversibly generated and irradiated with the control light of the specific one type of wavelength. The converged signal light is emitted from the thermal lens forming element while being converged, and when the control lens of the specific one type of wavelength is not irradiated and a thermal lens is not formed, the converged signal light is usually The opening angle of the signal light emitted from the thermal lens forming element at an opening angle of is changed depending on the presence or absence of irradiation of the control light of the specific one type of wavelength,
When a thermal lens is formed in the vicinity of the exit surface of the light absorption layer film by being irradiated with the control light of the specific one type of wavelength, the converged signal that is emitted from the thermal lens forming element while being converged Let the light pass straight through the hole in the mirror with holes,
On the other hand, when the control lens having one specific wavelength is not irradiated and a thermal lens is not formed, the optical path of the signal light emitted from the thermal lens forming element at a normal opening angle is left as it is or by a light receiving lens. An optical signal optical path switching method, wherein an optical path is changed by reflecting any one of the signal lights whose opening angles are changed using a reflection surface of the mirror with a hole. 複数の波長の光の内、最も長い波長の光を信号光とし、信号光よりも短い２つ以上の波長の光を制御光とし、前記光路切替機構中の熱レンズ形成素子が吸収する波長が最も短い光路切替機構を第１段とし、第２段以降の前記光路切替機構の熱レンズ形成素子が吸収する各々の波長が長くなる順に後段の光路切替機構を連結することを特徴とする請求項２に記載の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置。   Among the light of a plurality of wavelengths, the light with the longest wavelength is used as signal light, the light with two or more wavelengths shorter than the signal light is used as control light, and the wavelength absorbed by the thermal lens forming element in the optical path switching mechanism is The shortest optical path switching mechanism is a first stage, and the subsequent optical path switching mechanisms are connected in the order in which each wavelength absorbed by the thermal lens forming element of the optical path switching mechanism after the second stage becomes longer. 3. The optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission device according to 2. 複数の波長の光の内、最も長い波長の光を信号光とし、信号光よりも短い２つ以上の波長の光を制御光とし、前記光路切替機構中の熱レンズ形成素子が吸収する波長が最も短い光路切替機構を第１段とし、第２段以降の前記光路切替機構の熱レンズ形成素子が吸収する各々の波長が長くなる順に後段の光路切替機構を連結することを特徴とする請求項３に記載の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置。   Among the light of a plurality of wavelengths, the light having the longest wavelength is used as signal light, the light having two or more wavelengths shorter than the signal light is used as control light, and the wavelength absorbed by the thermal lens forming element in the optical path switching mechanism is The shortest optical path switching mechanism is the first stage, and the subsequent optical path switching mechanisms are connected in the order in which the wavelengths absorbed by the thermal lens forming elements of the optical path switching mechanism after the second stage become longer. 4. The optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission device according to 3. 複数の波長の光の内、最も長い波長の光を信号光とし、信号光よりも短い２つ以上の波長の光を制御光とし、前記光路切替機構中の熱レンズ形成素子が吸収する波長が最も短い光路切替機構を第１段とし、第２段以降の前記光路切替機構の熱レンズ形成素子が吸収する各々の波長が長くなる順に後段の光路切替機構を連結することを特徴とする請求項４に記載の光制御式光路切替型光信号伝送装置。

Among the light of a plurality of wavelengths, the light with the longest wavelength is used as signal light, the light with two or more wavelengths shorter than the signal light is used as control light, and the wavelength absorbed by the thermal lens forming element in the optical path switching mechanism is The shortest optical path switching mechanism is a first stage, and the subsequent optical path switching mechanisms are connected in the order in which each wavelength absorbed by the thermal lens forming element of the optical path switching mechanism after the second stage becomes longer. 5. The optical control type optical path switching type optical signal transmission device according to 4.

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